ON YOUR OWN
ON YOUR OWN; A Jungle Gym for Adults
By BARBARA LLOYD
Published: October 31, 1988
The idea of a gyroscope large enough for a person to climb inside has taken shape as a new fitness tool. National Survival Games, a company based in New London, N.H., has developed a 9-by-9-foot gyroscope made of tubular steel. Three concentric rings rotate round each other on a stationary frame. The rider fastens his feet into bindings on a base plate at the center of the inner loop. Hand grips are secured to a padded waistband and to the bar overhead. The base plate adjusts to accommodate people of different heights.
The rings, which turn on ball bearing joints, move in response to a person's muscle power. The topsy-turvy movement of the body through the Gyro's axis creates a non-impact aerobic workout, claims the manufacturer. Body contortions, such as bending a knee, flexing a bicep, or twisting at the waist, rotate the rings in a desired direction. A brake lever, controlled by a person outside the Gyro, stops the rings from moving. The company says that a rider can slow the Gyro enough from the inside to enter and exit the device without applying brake pressure.
''The person inside is actively using stomach, leg and arm muscles to turn,'' says Terry Fletcher, a company vice president. He claims there are no side effects, such as feelings of seasickness, despite a rider's ability to turn the body upside down.
Gyro North America, a subsidiary company, markets the 550-pound machine to individuals as well as fitness centers. The Gyro retails for about $4,200. For information, call Gyro at (603) 735-5151.
Photo of a person on a gyroscope (Tom Ames)