For many athletes and runners, the challenge isn’t motivation or fitness—it’s keeping their body healthy enough to handle the miles they want to cover. Injuries often happen when training load outpaces tissue capacity, especially during return-to-run phases or mileage build-ups. In our clinic, we use the LEVER Bodyweight Support System as a targeted tool to help runners & athletes bridge that gap safely.
What Is the LEVER Bodyweight Support System?
The LEVER system is a bodyweight support device that allows athletes to run with partial unloading while maintaining natural running mechanics. By supporting a percentage of body weight, LEVER reduces impact forces without changing cadence, stride length, or overall movement patterns.
This makes it an ideal solution for runners who need to keep training —but with smarter load management.
Why We Use LEVER at Omega Project
Running rehabilitation and performance training aren’t just about rest alone—they’re about strategic exposure to load. In our clinic, LEVER allows us to precisely control that load while closely monitoring movement quality, symptoms, and fatigue.
We use LEVER to:
- Gradually reintroduce impact after injury
- Increase training volume without triggering symptoms
- Improve tolerance to running frequency
- Build confidence during return-to-run progression
Because support levels can be adjusted in real time, LEVER can meet you exactly where you are—whether that’s 90% body weight or 60%.
Reducing Injury Risk While Building Capacity
Every step in running produces forces multiple times body weight. When tissues are healing or adapting, even small increases in volume can cause flare-ups. LEVER helps reduce injury risk by:
- Lowering ground reaction forces at the hip, knee, and ankle
- Decreasing strain on tendons such as the Achilles and patellar tendon
- Allowing athletes to maintain form even when fatigued
- Preventing compensations that often occur when pain is present
- Increase cardiovascular fitness, neuromuscular coordination, and confidence
Adding Miles With Less Impact
One of the biggest benefits of LEVER is its ability to support mileage progression. In-clinic sessions can be used to:
- Add time or distance without increasing impact load
- Run more frequently while staying under symptom thresholds
- Maintain aerobic fitness during high-risk training phases
- Supplement outdoor running during high-volume weeks
How LEVER Fits Into Our Return-to-Sport Programs
LEVER isn’t a standalone solution—it’s integrated into a larger plan that {should} include strength training, mobility work, and progressive loading. LEVER sessions may include:
- Structured run intervals using bodyweight support
- Gradual reduction of support as tolerance improves
- Clear transfer to outdoor running and independent training
The goal is not to rely on support long-term, but to use LEVER as a stepping stone toward confident, full-load running.
Who We Recommend LEVER For
- Athletes returning from stress injuries or tendon pain
- Athletes post-surgery or in early return-to-impact phases
- Runners building mileage or training frequency
- Anyone who wants to reduce impact while maintaining run fitness
- Anyone wanting to supplement their training with additional reduced-impact miles
The Takeaway
By using the LEVER Bodyweight Support System, we help runners train with intention—reducing impact, managing load, and building durable bodies that can handle the miles ahead.
If you’re ready to add miles with less stress and fewer setbacks, LEVER may be the missing piece in your training or rehab plan.
Email us at cu*************@************pt.com or call/text 302.570.7027 to learn how LEVER can fit into your training.
