PowerCranks™ were originally designed as a tool to help cyclists. They were seen as a tool that could help the rider to better "pedal in circles". From that initial concept we had no idea how good a tool they really could be and how useful they could be to other athletes. But, it wasn't long before we started receiving reports that the benefits for athletes extended far and wide. Major benefits include improved running speed, improved agility, improved recovery between efforts, and a reduced risk of non-contact injury. Of course, many skaters ride bicycles as a cross training tool and so some of them got on PowerCranks. Well, what do you know. PowerCranks seem just as good a tool for the skater as it is for the runner and running sports.
In general, PowerCranks:
1. Increase the muscle mass being trained. This both makes one stronger and better balanced, reducing the risk of injury
2. The potential to greatly increase core strength and endurance, allowing one to better perform maneuvers that require good core strength.
3. Improved skating speed and agility.
4. Reduced risk of non-contact injury through better coordination and muscle balance.
5. Improved recovery between hard efforts.
Watch the video interview below with speedskater Andrew Love, a 500 meter specialist. After he started training with PowerCranks he was able to take about 1.5 seconds off his personal best in one year, qualifying for the Olympic trials. In it he discusses how PowerCranks can help the speedskater and hockey player who want to get faster.