Science Might Be Able to Make Running Easier

Suppose you’re like us and know that exercise is ~good for you~ but you would rather not go through all the pain and suffering that often accompanies running. In that case, we have the best news literally ever: a new robotic exo-suit that could make running a lot easier. We’ve all taken up running at some point, trying to get fit or just want to pursue a hobby that’s actually good for our health, but gosh darn it, running can be really difficult. However, many new runners say that things feel a little easier and more comfortable once they can run continuously for 30 minutes. For most new runners, that milestone can take anywhere from two to eight weeks, depending on your starting point.

Not all of us are willing or patient enough to endure through that kind of torture so in all honestly, we haven’t heard anything as exciting as this, maybe not even since the invention of sliced bread. But let’s get back to the point. Scientists have developed a ‘soft exoskeleton, making running a 26.2-mile race feel like it’s only 24.9 miles long. In other words, your 9:14 mile could be reduced to 8:49. #blessed We’re kind of hoping they can up that difference before we wear this to the gym like some kind of lululemon cyborg. Although, we’re still pretty excited that scientific experts are looking for the things that matter most to us mere mortals, namely, exercising as much as we should be without feeling like we are, nevermind solving world hunger…

In the study, scientists pointed out that although our bodies are designed for distance running, there’s actually some room for improvement. (Don’t we know it.) “Human beings have evolved to become good at running long distances, but our results show that further improvements to this already extremely efficient system are possible.” So how does this exo-suit work exactly? The ensemble that scientists developed applies pressure to your hip joint, helping ease the muscles as you run. In turn, this burdens your system less. Basically, your joints and muscles are all, “no, this is cool, we totally got this.” Might it be fair to say we’re not running again until we can buy a version of this suit in Target for our next run? Because that’s… well, that’s what we’re thinking.