If the Vasper Systems fitness equipment sounds out of this world, there’s a good reason. Its origins are in the cooling systems designed to chill the spacesuits worn by NASA astronauts.

So when you’re strapped into the Vasper equipment at Clark Hatch Fitness Center in Honolulu, snugly fitted with temperature-controlled cuffs that squeeze your arms and thighs while you work out, prepare for a fitness takeoff. The equipment combines a cooling system and compression — much like a blood pressure cuff — to increase lactic acid levels and trick the body into thinking it’s done about two hours of work in 20 minutes.

The Vasper System, founded by Peter Z. Wasowski in 2009, is used by Navy SEALs, NASA, Olympic and professional athletes, physicians and individuals of all ages, said Garrett Sunada, the Vasper trainer at Clark Hatch Fitness Center. Wasowski has more than 35 years of experience in the field of medical technology and vascular health, is a manager of clinical development for NASA’s GE Medical Systems, and has worked all over the world.

The cooled compression cuffs mimic what happens during an intense workout but without the extensive time and effort it would normally require, Sunada said. When there is enough lactic acid built up, the body releases anabolic hormones, such as testosterone, that result from high-intensity workouts, he said.

“By putting these two methods together, we create the effect of a high-intensity exercise (anaerobic exercise) without the time, effort and muscle damage it takes to achieve the same results with conventional exercise,” Sunada said.

Setting

The Vasper equipment, which includes two machines that resemble recumbent bikes and one that looks like an elliptical trainer, is located in the Clark Hatch Fitness Center in the Topa Financial Center Building in the same room that hosts small workout classes. Two cooling beds are located in a private, darkened room.

Benefits

According to NASA, Wasowski developed the compression cuffs that incorporate the NASA-derived liquid cooling technology, which increases exercise efficiency and helps to reduce sweat and post-workout aches and fatigue. The cooling elements on the machines are designed to increase oxygen in the bloodstream and reduce exertion during exercise.

When the body temperature increases, the blood vessels near the surface of the skin dilate, increasing the blood flow to the skin. This leaves less blood and oxygen left for the muscles to work with, therefore causing the body to hit a wall and fatigue, Sunada said.

“Keeping the body cold during workouts also reduces existing pain or inflammation, mitigates further physical stress and makes the workout a little more comfortable,” Sunada said. “The compression aspect is what causes the muscle to build up lactic acid in the muscle tissues and creates that burn feeling we normally don’t feel unless we do intense exercises.”

Results can include increased strength and muscle mass, fat loss and increased endurance. Because it’s a low-impact routine, seniors or those recovering from an injury or illness can do a high-intensity workout without placing too much strain on the body.

The Workout

A 20-minute routine is followed by a 10-minute cool-down period, lying down on a Vasper cooling bed, which is between 45 and 55 degrees. Ask for a blanket if you need one.

The machine similar to an elliptical trainer is more challenging than the seated machines, since you need to exert more energy to keep up the pace.

After a nine-minute warmup of moderately pumping your arms and legs, the fitness attendant — in my case, Sunada — tells you to pump as fast as you can for 30 seconds, followed by 90 seconds of slow pedaling. The pattern repeats throughout the workout. There’s a total of six high-intensity periods and an attendant is nearby to adjust any necessary settings.

I wore a tank top and found that the compression cuffs chafed my skin, so I’d recommend wearing sleeves.

User Review

Lillian Nakamura, an 84-year-old Manoa resident, has used the Vasper machines three times a week for four years. “I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, which is a progressive disease, about three years ago,” she said. “I haven’t seen much deterioration and feel that the exercise has helped.”

Although there is validated parking in the building, she and her husband, Robert Nakamura, 91, park at Foster Botanical Garden and walk to the gym to get some extra exercise. “We find it helpful,” she said. “We feel much better and get in our exercise for the day.”

Tere Hunt, a 62-year-old Makakilo resident, started using Vasper about five years ago following an injury she incurred during the Honolulu Marathon. During the 2010 marathon, Hunt had some nerve damage and after one Vasper session, she was walking better.

Hunt recommends the exercise for people with injuries or those trying to increase strength. “I went every other day until I could walk and move better. I haven’t missed a marathon because it helped me with recovery,” she said. “I’m rejuvenated. It’s my drug.”

Try it Out?

This would be an ideal option for seniors, someone recovering from injury and wanting to lessen the impact on their joints, or those looking to get back into a regular exercise routine after being sedentary for a while.