NuStep’s Leg Stabilizer: Keeping Everything In Line
When we work out, we typically focus on how hard we’re working, how many calories we’re burning and — let’s face it — how long before can be done and hit the showers.
One of the things we may overlook is our leg alignment. This may not seem like an important consideration, especially when we’re exercising on the NuStep recumbent cross trainer. The fact is that even though we’re seated, our legs can drift inward (adduction) or outward (abduction) and become misaligned while we’re stepping.
Is this a problem? It can be. Here’s why. When our legs are not aligned, it can put unnecessary stress on our joints which can cause pain in our hips, knees and ankles.
So, what causes misalignment? One reason could be that we’re not paying attention to our form. If that’s the case, it’s something we can easily correct. But there can be other reasons. However, before we delve into those, let’s first understand how the lower body is designed to move.
A Chain of Events
The various joints, muscles and tendons of the lower body function as a linked system called the lower kinetic chain. The chain is a series of interconnected parts from the spine to the toes that work together in a coordinated sequence to produce movement.
When the lower kinetic chain is working well, the leg is aligned and moves in its natural path during exercise allowing the:
- Hip to move in a safe, supported range
- Knee to track over the ankle, avoiding twisting
- Ankle to stay stable, improving overall efficiency
As a result, the body can distribute force more evenly, which helps reduce strain and makes exercise safer and more effective.
When the Chain Breaks
One of the downsides to the kinetic chain’s interconnectivity is that it can be vulnerable to breakdowns. That means if one part of the chain is not functioning properly, the entire chain is affected. In other words, the chain can “break.”
For example, if the leg adducts or abducts during exercise, it creates dysfunction along the chain. This can lead to inefficient movement patterns. Consequently, the other parts in the chain compensate to make up for the deficit and become overworked.
When corrected, occasional misalignment is not a problem. However, repeated incorrect alignment can strain ligaments, joints and supporting muscles causing pain and discomfort. Over time, that wear-and-tear can worsen joint stability or conditions like arthritis.
Why Misalignment Happens
Apart from improper form, there are several issues or conditions that can affect leg alignment during exercise including:
- Injury recovery: Users who are recovering from knee, hip or ankle injuries or surgery, may compensate with the non-affected side.
- Neurological conditions: Stroke, Parkinson’s, MS or other neurological disorders can reduce motor control or cause uneven muscle activation.
- Fatigue: As muscles tire, it’s harder to maintain proper positioning, especially during longer workouts.
- Muscle Weakness or Imbalance: Inherent muscular imbalances in the hips, thighs and core can also cause legs to drift during exercise.
NuStep’s Leg Stabilizer: Better Alignment = Better Results
NuStep’s Leg Stabilizer adaptive accessory solves the issue of leg misalignment during NuStep workouts. Inspired by customer feedback — and developed with input from physical therapists — the Leg Stabilizer keeps NuStep users’ legs in a stable, secure position as they exercise.
The Leg Stabilizer consists of an adjustable cuff that straps around the thigh. The cuff is connected to an aluminum “arm” that attaches to the NuStep frame. The arm moves along with the leg, providing stability without restricting natural motion.
More importantly, the Leg Stabilizer keeps the leg in neutral alignment, meaning the hips, knees and ankles are lined up in a straight path. This allows the legs to move forward and backward without drifting inward or outward. By keeping the legs in neutral alignment, weight and force are spread evenly across the joints, which:
- Enhances muscle engagement
- Improves exercise efficiency
- Reduces risk of strain or injury
Movement for Every Body
Like all NuStep products, the Leg Stabilizer helps fulfill NuStep’s mission to make safe, effective exercise possible for people of nearly all fitness levels and functional abilities. To learn more about how the Leg Stabilizer and NuStep’s other adaptive accessories can support your exercise needs, reach out today.
