Vigx blog

Can You Actually Run in an Exoskeleton?

When runners first try out a wearable exoskeleton like the VIGX Pi Plus, their first thought is whether it might have a negative effect on running form (some runners are obsessed with form). They wonder if “robot legs” would feel like wearing a cast, or whether it would feel like it was holding them back.  Based on the experiences of runners who have tried the exoskeleton, the answer is a resounding no. The VIGX doesn’t resist a runner’s stride; instead, it adapts to it. The on-board AI analyzes the wearer’s pace, stride length, cadence, and footstrike patterns. Then, rather than opposing motion, it adapts. It runs with you, not against you. The sensation shifts from “something is strapped on” to “the run feels smoother and less taxing.” It’s important to note that while the VIGX reduces overall effort (by about 30%), as well as overall lower-body strain, it doesn’t make the run feel effortless. Runners still experience fatigue by the end of a run, but the location of that fatigue changes. The point in a run where the legs typically start to complain arrives later, and often with less intensity. Because of this, previously taxing paces feel more sustainable, allowing runners to finish with more energy left in the tank, which is a big deal if running is a daily ritual. The same holds for hiking or walking for exercise.  The most noticeable change occurs over days rather than in a single run. Running becomes less demanding. The run doesn’t deplete the runner as much as it would normally. The Next Day One of the most consistent reports from runners using the VIGX is not related to the run itself but rather to the effects it has the next day. After a long run, runners often experience stiffness the following morning. Sore knees, heavy legs, and general tiredness are common. However, with the VIGX, less overall strain means less overall stiffness and a smoother recovery. The run still counts as a run, and the work was done; the calories were burned. But the recovery cost is lower. These compounding effects make a big difference, particularly during an intense period of training. A runner who isn’t exhausted by Monday’s long run can train on Tuesday. A runner who isn’t drained by Wednesday can run again on Thursday. Over the course of a month, these small savings in recovery cost accumulate to more weekly mileage, and more weekly mileage is what ultimately builds fitness. The idea is that the VIGX doesn’t make any single run easier. Instead, it makes the entire training week easier. That can have knock-on effects that boost overall performance. But that isn’t just the case for running. As mentioned, hiking and walking, but biking too.  One active mountain biking enthusiast’s experience provides a great description of how the device feels on a bike. The man with the bike visited a friend who had been testing the VIGX and wanted to try it out. There was a hill near the friend’s house (known as “The Nope Hill”) that had always been a challenge to climb—too steep, too long, and not worth the effort. While wearing the VIGX, he attempted to climb the hill and managed to make it most of the way before stopping. He didn’t stop because he was exhausted; instead, he stopped because he was chuckling to himself.  The biking enthusiast described the sensation of the device as riding an e-bike with the motor assisting the pedaling. Going up the big hill, his legs were still fully engaged, and the hill was still a challenge. The alternative would have been…who knows!  This description applies to running as well. A runner in the VIGX is still running, and their legs are still doing the work. However, the device makes that effort go further. More bang for your buck, like a car that gets better mileage per gallon of gas. But another issue comes up for runners in particular: impact. Impact.  For many runners, the primary limitation on their training isn’t their fitness level but rather their ability to recover from the wear and tear of impact. Knees that have carried thousands of miles may start sending signals, leading to longer recovery times. The mileage that used to feel routine may now require a full rest day, which means less running.  The VIGX exoskeleton, besides being a great way to improve energy efficiency overall, also reduces lower-body impact and strain, allowing runners to continue their training without the cumulative downsides that come for nearly every runner sooner or later.  Trail running The VIGX exoskeleton, particularly the Pi series, is a great way to boost performance in both hiking and trail running, which generally demand more from the legs than road running or walking. This is because of regular climbs and the constant adjustments required on uneven terrain. Over a long trail run or hike, exhaustion can set in unexpectedly,and that is not good if it happens far from the trailhead. The equation changes when your legs have the backup of an exoskeleton, which adjusts based on the situation.  The on-board AI of the VIGX adapts to trail terrain without any input—you don’t need to change running modes or adjust a bunch of settings. It reads changes in pace, uneven footing, and sudden pitches up or down, adjusting its assistance accordingly. When a climb begins, the support increases, and when the trail levels out, it backs off. You can feel the difference.  Runners on downhill sections feel it too. Trail descents are a common source of trouble because each step requires the legs to absorb a drop. The VIGX smoothes out each step, resulting in an easier downhill run and less soreness by the end of a long run. Practical notes: The device weighs around 4.5 pounds. Most users stop noticing it within a few minutes.  The VIGX has settings to adjust support level. For flat-ground running, setting 5 through 9 tends to work well. On hills, increasing to 10 or 12, or even up to 15, makes a significant difference. The buttons on the belt allow a runner to change levels without breaking stride, which is useful before a known climb. The battery life is rated at 24,000 steps. At running pace, this translates to fewer hours of coverage than a walking day, but it is still sufficient for most runs. For long efforts, the batteries are hot-swappable, so carrying a spare is an option. More information about the VIGX Pi series can be found at vigx.ai.