Back to the question asked in the previous post; “how to prevent getting headaches after using the machines”.
I’ve covered the eating “rules” so now to a few other causes of headache, neck, shoulder, or head discomfort, and vertigo or dizziness while using a vibration machine or soon after.
Let’s look at the machine and the program being used. There are many articles available about finding a studio that has quality machines or buying a home machine so I will assume that this has been considered and look at the program of positions used.
An excellent Safety Program for use with lineal (upright vibration) machines is available on the Vibra-Train website with step by step instructions. It’s freely available to be printed out.
Some studios, those using PowerPlate machines are one, get people to move about on the machines. This is sometimes done to make up for a lack in the power or force of the machines or to simulate a sports action. The program linked above has static (non-moving positions) only. These are very effective when the program is carefully followed and also reduces another cause of headache or vertigo, which is moving about whilst the machine is turned on. It is recommended that machines be set to 40Hz (40 movements per second) and the Safety Program positions held for the recommended 60 seconds – see the pictures on the linked page. It’s very helpful to have an experienced instructor but if one is not available or if using a machine at home ask a friend to read out the step-by-step instructions and watch over you ensuring you get into and remain in correct position. The program is hard but achievable by anyone who is willing to make the effort to get good results.
Another cause of neck or head discomfort is straining the jaw or neck, as in saying, Aaarrgghh! when finding the positions hard to hold. It’s essential to relax the neck and face muscles and singing (quietly of course) is one way to do this. Relaxing into the exercise positions becomes easier over time. Head position is very important and again, it’s covered in the above instructions.
All exercise causes a rise in blood pressure and although vibration training places almost no strain on the heart many people experience very temporary and slight increases in blood pressure when their head is down (push-up or pelvic-stability positions) or when they find an exercise position difficult. This is not dangerous in itself but a minute or two taken to recover before moving on to the next position is wise and this also prevents headache after using the machines. Sitting quietly or taking a walk around the room gives an effective break before moving on with the program.
Customers of vibration studios should not feel pressured to quickly complete their program. If this happens have a talk to the instructor or studio owner and explain your needs. If a long program of many positions is being used print out and insist on following the Safety Program instead.
Vibration Training and Therapy is very safe and effective with a little attention to detail. All the above “rules” are really common sense and are followed in every studio where the owner and instructors care about their customers training and results.
Hi, I have been doing vibra-train-ing for just about a month – last week during one session I got a seriously hideous headache (that lasted into the next day) – I went back to do another session a couple days later – same thing. I don’t suffer from headaches in the normal course of life.
I am told that the headache thing will settle but . I was wondering should I take a break? – am doing 3 times a week and I think it is fab but the headaches are big drag What do you think?
Headaches are often due to dehydration. Always make sure you have something to eat before vibration training. This means a real meal an hour before or a banana or other fruit that’s high in sugar right before training. This ensures your blood sugar level is adequate (you wont feel ill by eating before as you do with other exercise). Drink water before and during your session. Drink water after your session of vibration training to complete the clearing of the lymphatic system.
Position – it’s all important including consciously relaxing the neck. Try not to tense up as in going “Arrgghh!” when it’s hard work. Remember this is Vibra-Train, not Vibra-Massage and it’s going to be hard. If headaches persist when you’ve relaxed, made sure your position is perfect (that’s the instructor’s job) and fully hydrated, and given it a few weeks of sessions, then maybe check with a Physio just to make sure your neck, spine, etc is all okay, not a big concern and I’m sure you would know of any old injuries you have. Vibration Training can aggravate old injuries temporarily by breaking down scar tissue and increasing blood flow to the area but this would be temporary discomfort maybe lasting only a few hours or until next day.