Seen At 11: Sitting Around For Better Health?

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A new technology offers users a chance to feel better, by simply sitting inside of a pod.

It looks like something out of science fiction, but the futuristic pod is showing some real results.

As CBS2's Kristine Johnson reported, it's called the CVAC. During 20 minute sessions, the air pressure inside the pod yo-yos between sea level and 22,500 feet.

Its makers claim it massages your cells into producing more energy by increasing oxygen-rich red blood cells.

As CBS2's Johnson explained, following a session at the Body Works Salon in Garfield, her ears popped, but things were otherwise uneventful.

Regular users like Denise Miller, said they feel results. Mueller is a nationally ranked champion cyclist, and has been using the CVAC for more than a year.

"I'm getting better results now than when I was younger," she said.

Beyond improved fitness, Michael Engelhart said he just feels good all over after a session.

"There's no brain fog. I feel ready to workout. You feel like a rock star when you get out of here," he said.

CVAC's makers said everyone, even couch potatoes, can benefit from sitting in the pod.

"For those people who can't, won't, or don't exercise, they can get some of the benefits of exercise," Allen Ruszowski said.

Most CVACs are in gyms or spas, but Soumyo Sarkar was so impressed that he bought his own for a cool $100,000 and even invested in the company.

"I'm a true user and believer," he said.

But there are skeptics.

"I don't see any benefit," Sports Medicine, Dr. Lewis Maharam, said, "In order to get fit you've got to do the exercise. Not sit in a pod."

CVAC's makers admit that more research needs to be done to determine its effectiveness, but Dr. Maharam said there's simply no shortcut when it comes to getting fit.

"You're much better off and it's much cheaper to buy yourself a pair of running shoes and get into a running program and do the work. There is no magic bullet," he said.

The company admitted that more research needs to be done to prove that the CVAC works. They said getting the studies done is a top priority.