OsteoStrong's unique approach to fitness and wellness centers around a specialized set of equipment known as the Spectrum System. Unlike typical gym machines designed for muscle growth or endurance, these devices are engineered for a specific purpose: to apply a high level of safe, axial compression force to the bones. This process, called osteogenic loading, is based on scientific principles showing that bones strengthen in response to load.
The Spectrum System: A Robotic Musculoskeletal Development System
The Spectrum System is officially classified as a Robotic Musculoskeletal Development System (RMDS). Each system consists of four distinct devices that work together to target key areas of the musculoskeletal system. The entire circuit is designed to be completed in just 10 to 15 minutes, once per week. The controlled nature of the machines, guided by a trained coach, allows users to exert forces many multiples of their own body weight safely, which is nearly impossible to achieve with conventional weightlifting without risk of injury.
Each of the four Spectrum devices is non-moving. Instead of lifting weights through a range of motion, the user pushes or pulls against a stationary component. A computer with biofeedback sensors measures the amount of force being applied in real-time, helping the user reach the minimum threshold needed to trigger osteogenesis, or new bone growth. This threshold is often cited as 4.2 multiples of body weight for the hip joint.
Breakdown of the four Spectrum devices
Each machine within the Spectrum System is engineered to target a different area of the body for comprehensive skeletal strengthening:
- Upper Growth Trigger (Upper GT): Mimics a chest press motion to apply force to the upper body, including the arms, shoulders, and upper spine.
- Lower Growth Trigger (Lower GT): Resembles a leg press, focusing on strengthening the bones and surrounding muscles in the lower body, hips, knees, and ankles.
- Core Growth Trigger (Core GT): Involves a seated pull motion to stimulate bone growth in the pelvic area and core, which supports overall stability.
- Postural Growth Trigger (Postural GT): Functions similarly to a deadlift machine, applying vertical lift pressure to improve posture and strengthen the spine.
Comparison with traditional weightlifting
OsteoStrong's approach differs significantly from conventional weightlifting. While both aim to improve musculoskeletal health, they do so through different mechanisms and for different outcomes. The table below outlines the key differences.
| Feature | OsteoStrong's Spectrum System | Traditional Weightlifting |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Increase bone density through osteogenic loading. | Increase muscular strength and size through resistance training. |
| Method | High axial compression force applied in a static position. | Lifting and moving weights through a range of motion. |
| Impact Level | High impact emulation without the risks associated with high impact. | Potentially high impact depending on the exercise and weight lifted. |
| Safety | Controlled and guided by a coach, designed for high force without injury risk. | Higher risk of injury if proper form is not maintained, especially with heavy weights. |
| Time Commitment | Brief, 10-15 minute sessions, once per week. | Typically requires longer, more frequent sessions to achieve results. |
| Muscle Development | Strengthens muscles but does not focus on sarcoplasmic hypertrophy (size increase). | Promotes muscle growth (hypertrophy) and size increase. |
| Ideal User | Individuals with low bone density, osteoporosis, or those seeking a low-impact option. | Athletes, bodybuilders, and those prioritizing muscle mass. |
Additional Modalities at OsteoStrong
Beyond the core Spectrum System, many OsteoStrong centers offer supplementary modalities to enhance the wellness experience. These are not part of the osteogenic loading process but can provide additional benefits.
- Vibe Plate: A whole-body vibration platform used to improve balance and coordination and prepare the body for the osteogenic loading session.
- Red Light Therapy: Used to aid in recovery and cellular health.
- Normatec Compression: Compression therapy for circulation and recovery.
- BioCharger: A system that uses various energies to improve health and wellness.
Conclusion
For those wondering what kind of machines does OsteoStrong use, the answer is a specialized suite of four devices known as the Spectrum System. This technology is a Robotic Musculoskeletal Development System (RMDS) that enables users to safely perform osteogenic loading. Unlike traditional weightlifting, it applies a high axial compression force in a controlled, static manner, requiring only a brief weekly commitment. The Spectrum devices—Upper GT, Lower GT, Core GT, and Postural GT—are designed to target the hips, spine, and upper and lower body, stimulating bone growth and improving balance and strength without the risks associated with high-impact exercise. While it does not replace the muscle-building aspects of a gym workout, it provides a valuable, low-impact option for improving bone density and overall musculoskeletal health.
