Running on Powerisers

One of the most advertised benefit that users of Powerisers or pro-jumps experience is 'the ability to run up to 20 mph (32 km/h) and take up to 10 foot strides'. Whilst I personally find their claims to be a bit excessive I believe that there is no doubt that using Powerisers gives more shock absorption and springiness that a pair of legs ever can. Once the novice Powerbocker is able to stand and walk on their stilts then the natural desire is to begin to experience what Powerisers can offer by trying to run under the power of the springs.

The first thing I began to do was to move my weight from side to side and to start to compress the spring in turn on each stilt in turn. I then increased the movement until I was literally bouncing on one foot and then the other and beginning to get a feel of how the springs behave when transmitting the compressed potential energy back to kinetic energy.

Once I got used to this sensation (and had a little breather) then I was ready to be to try and run. The running action can be described a leaping technique where the back foot is pushed away from your body in a slight diagonal direction letting the spring compress as you other leg gradually swings forward. The spring on the back foot will then release it's energy and push the wearer forward. I reconmend that running should be as graceful as possible as a smooth running action gives the Poweriser more control and leads to a much improved technique.

Article added by: Andy R 12/02/2007