I knew Duluth-based LightSpeed Lift had made it when I saw that Jordan Hasay, the second fastest U.S. women’s marathoner in history, had started posting Instagram photos of herself on her new Lift.  To earn the endorsement of a world class marathoner, sponsored by Nike, with all of the training and rehab tools known to humans at her disposal, I knew the company had perfected its system.  

Malcom Macaulay, owner and developer of LightSpeed Lift, has developed his patented system over the course of three decades.  A physical therapist by trade, Malcolm developed the original system for a runner who was experiencing chronic neck pain, using a boat winch and fish scale to suspend him over a treadmill, reducing his weight and running impact forces. 

As a patient of Malcolm’s around the same time – and on-and-off for 30 years – I witnessed the evolution of the Lift from a functional but Frankenstein device to its current, highly-polished, professional quality.  Walking into LightSpeed’s studio at 500 E. 10th Street in Duluth, Minnesota, the modern LightSpeed Lift struck me as efficient, elegant, and effective.  

What the LightSpeed Lift is and what it does makes immediate sense to anybody who sees it in action.  Using an adjustable frame set over the top of a treadmill, support cords, and compression shorts, the walker, runner, athlete or patient is “lightly lifted” or partially suspended over the treadmill. 

This allows those who are injured, rehabbing, or in need of lower impact to walk, jog, run, or sprint at a reduced body weight.  The more the lift, the lower the impact for the user.  My mind races with potential applications for physical therapists and athletes.  Those who are coming back from impact-averse injuries, runners wanting to recover with less stress while still running, or high-performance athletes in search of the highest velocity training can all equally benefit from time on the LightSpeed.  It is a versatile invention.  

Starting at under $2,995 (treadmill not included), LightSpeed Lifts are now found across the country in home gyms, fitness centers, and physical therapist offices.  LightSpeed offers three frames and includes suspension and safety equipment with your purchase.  

In our recent studio tour with Malcolm and manager Bud Trnka, my fellow DuluthRunner, Kyle strapped in for a LightSpeed run.  Both the lightness and the speed put a smile on Kyle’s face that lasted the rest of the afternoon.  

Check out a LightSpeed Lift at https://lightspeedlift.com/ to find out more.