There are dozens of methods for producing resistance for a muscle-building workout. While free weights, pulley machines and elastic bands may be the resistance of choice at gyms, the Keiser company has produced air-powered resistance equipment for more than 35 years. The company touts this unique form of low-impact resistance as safe and effective for health enthusiasts, athletes and seniors alike.
Background
After just a few years of designing exercise equipment using weight stacks and hydraulics, brothers Dennis and Randy Keiser introduced the first air-powered resistance exercise machine in 1978. Since then, Keiser has focused on air-powered, or pneumatic, resistance equipment, as well as standard cardio equipment.
Function
Keiser resistance equipment uses pneumatic air compressors and cylinders to create resistance for various muscle-building exercises. Most Keiser machines include buttons on the handles that can increase or decrease air pressure on the fly in increments as low as 8 ounces of resistance. A lifter can adjust his resistance in the middle of a set of exercises, which can help overcome plateaus and lead to new gains.
Types
Keiser offers several tiers of exercise equipment. Some pieces operate for a single function, whereas others operate as multigyms, where many exercises can be performed. The Air 250 line includes many single-function machines with comparatively low maximum resistance. The Air 300 line is similar to the Air 250 but with higher maximum resistance. The Air 350 line includes more heavy-duty and biaxial equipment that generates a natural strength curve. Keiser's Infinity Series features cable-based equipment, such as functional trainers that replicate real-world athletic behavior. Keiser also manufactures power racks that include pneumatic resistance and can be supplemented with free weights.
Benefits
The Keiser company boasts that pneumatic resistance has many benefits over traditional weight stacks, including no shock-loading to connective tissues and joints, a consistent level of resistance, no matter how fast the exercise is performed, and large displays that count repetitions. Another benefit is the potential money and space savings of not purchasing weight plates. For instance, the Keiser Power Rack has a resistance range of up to 212 lb.--which represents 212 lb. of weights that won't have to be bought or stored by the user.
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