AeroGrip

aerogrip

MORE POWER

LESS DRAG

Speed Skating is all about speed and two key elements that contribute to speed are aerodynamics and power transfer. AeroGrip enables More Power and Less Drag which translates to increased speed for:

  • Long Track
  • Short Track
  • Inline Oval
  • Inline Marathon
  • Indoor Inline
  • Inline Downhill
  • Downhill Skateboard
  • Downhill Snowboard
  • Dryland Training


AERODYNAMICS


In technical terms, the aerodynamic drag coefficient is a measure of the effectiveness of a streamlined body shape in reducing the air resistance against forward motion.


Speed skaters streamline their bodies to minimize drag. This requires the upper torso to stay parallel to the ground and the arms to stay tight against the body when placed behind the back. Every speed skater knows this is easier said than done, as this body position places a tremendous strain on the lower back and surrounding core muscles.


AeroGrip provides a solution to the difficulty speed skaters face maintaining a streamlined aerodynamic body position. Fitness and Recreational skaters will also benefit from the additional lower back support.


POWER TRANSFER


Once a skater is in an aerodynamic position, besides their technique, speed is determined by power transfer, which is the amount of force the leg muscles deliver to the blades/wheels.


AeroGrip helps conserve energy from the core muscle group so it can be redirected where it is needed most, to the legs.

the lower back

Every discipline has it's primary limiting factor, for example:


Running            Lungs        Oxygen

Swimming        Arms         Lactic Acid

Cycling             Legs          Lactic Acid

Skating             Core          Fatique


Most people are surprised the core is the limiting factor but these athletes are all too familiar with the tremendous strain on the lower back they have to deal with, and the countless hours strengthening the core muscles.


AeroGrip was originally conceived to help speed skaters solve this problem.


"Necessity is the Mother of Invention"

hOW IT WORKS

AERODYNAMICS


AeroGrip can be considered as "aerobars" for speed skaters. As a skater firmly grips the handle two things happen:

  1. the arms become streamlined by staying tight against the body.
  2. the support AeroGrip gives to the lower back enables a skater to keep their torso parallel to the ground for longer periods of time, minimizing the drag coefficient.

These two factors translate into increased speed, and with some races determined by mere thousandths of a second, aerodynamics is essential.


POWER TRANSFER


The tension created between a skater's shoulder and hand as they firmly grip the handle will save one third of the energy the lower back expends to keep the upper torso parallel to the ground. This energy savings can then be utilized by the leg muscles for increased power output. 


It's simple, AeroGrip enables More Power and Less Drag, which translates to faster speeds. 

TECHNOLOGY

Countless dollars are invested in the wind tunnel to create the most aerodynamic skin suit possible. Yet nothing increases the drag coefficient more than a skater's body position. If the torso raises just one inch from being parallel to the ground or the arms are not tight against the body, the effect on drag is significant.


AeroGrip is not worn around the waist, rather the midsection which places the handle at the L5 vertebra, exactly where speed skaters place their hands to streamline. This location is also the center of gravity, which insures the tension from the arms that provides the lower back support will not adversely effect form and technique. Another benefit of AeroGrip is that it will not restrict oxygen intake since it's worn below the breathing cavity.


AeroGrip insures a streamline body position providing maximium efficiency and increased speed. Made primarily from Biothane, a thermoplastic polyurethane coating over a polypropylene webbing, that is very durable and flexible, washable and waterproof, resistant to sweat, mildew, odor, UV rays, and abrasion. Think of it as "athletic leather".