The Gymform Vibromax Vibration Machine. A quick search shows people are asking questions like, “does it work?”, “will I lose weight if I use the Gymform Vibromax?”, “will I get muscle from the Gymform Vibromax?”

The title of this blog post gives my answer – the advertorials for this vibration machine are, in my opinion, a scam. There are so many inacuracies and downright lies in the text and on the websites that offer this machine for sale.

Things like -

• The Gymform Vibromax is the ONLY massager which tones up muscles, firms up your figure and massages the whole body
• 10 minutes a day on our new Gymform Vibromax correspond to:  2 hours of tennis or an hour of swimming
• it promotes Strength and Power Conditioning, Fat Burning, Advanced Aerobic and Anaerobic Training

The machine works with a see-saw/pivotal action – when you stand on the machine one foot goes up while the other goes down; up/down, up/down. Watching a person on this type of machine you can see their body shake and it looks quite funny or even quite attractive if the model on the machine has a good figure or a well build muscular body BUT don’t mistake this shakey wobble for true muscle contraction – it isn’t!

The advertisers claim that the machine platform frequency is 30Hz – that’s 30 movements a second – It’s been independently tested and found to run at 9Hz which is a huge difference.  The advertorial that showed on Television New Zealand’s Good Morning Show in May and June 2010 showed an Auckland personal trainer on the machine and it was clearly running at about 9Hz. It was so slow that you could count the Up/Down movement.

And then there’s the Price – well someone has to pay for the TV adverts and that someone is, of course, the buyer. Television is an expensive yet effective method of advertising a product – it’s on TV so it must be good, right? Wrong!  There’s nothing about expensive advertising that guarantees a product will be good for you. And, the price is around three times that of the same machine bought elsewhere.

Then there’s the Shame. The consumer buys a product, uses it just like the advert tells them to and they don’t get the results promised. They don’t get amazing, firm, toned muscles, they don’t lose lots of fat, and they certainly don’t feel like they’ve been playing tennis for two hours, in fact there’s no fatigue at all.

What then? They quite often blame themselves, thinking they are doing something wrong – the Personal Trainer on the infomercial looks great and she/he said they use that machine to look the way they do, to get their firm and toned  “beach body”. The poor consumer then blames their parents for giving them non-responsive  genes or they rue their lack of willpower.

It’s the machine that’s at fault, not the consumer – although I have little sympathy for the person who buys a product without checking it out first. Google is like a lifesaver on a calm beach, pointing out the rips -

And to help you – check this out: Vibration-Training-Advice.com for Vibration Machine reviews and many articles about Vibration Machines to help you choose the right one for your needs and to get the results you want.

So, is the Gymform Vibromax good for anything? I’m tempted to say it makes a very good Clothes Hanger like many others of the ‘As seen on TV” fitness products but Yes, it does have an excellent use – it’s a low speed, pivotal, Vibration Massage and Therapy machine. It gently improves circulation and helps a little with mobility. It can also enhance mood and help with relaxation. These benefits are great for the very unfit, the very obese, or older person who will gain from them but for most of us – there’s simply no way that standing upright on this machine for twenty minutes while watching television is going to give  the body that the person in the Advert has. For those results you need a High Energy, lineal machine, an excellent Safety Program, and you need to be prepared to work hard!

My previous post was about Customers – the Good, the Bad, and those whose who don’t really want to follow the Vibration Training Safety Program but instead think they can choose to make up their own program or copy a position  they see other people doing.

That last part is funny because when they copy another person they are very often copying a Therapy Position, given to a person who is unable to do the full program due to injury or long-term disability.  It’s funny to watch and when I question or, as more often happens, I turn the machine off, the customers gets mildly annoyed as they think they are missing out on some special position that will help them train harder and faster.

I totally applaud their dedication but Nope, No, the program alone is all that’s needed when it’s done with that same strong dedication and effort.

It’s essential to follow the program exactly for Safety and Excellent Results.

Only when a person can show that they’ve mastered the full Safety Program can they add in some extra work and even then it’s optional and not needed for many people.  Some add in an extra position, like the one they find the hardest, or the pelvic stability position followed by the stretch are popular additions.  Some, especially the guys, do extra upper body work, a pull-up position or a full body tri-ceps dip, using the Vibra-Train “Vibra”, handlebar machine.  See the videos here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNaEcOqG-oU

The ONLY Optional work is what’s added at the end IF the customer can show that they’ve mastered the program and can get into and remain in Perfect Position throughout. And then, the extra positions come with very strict instructions how to do them.

No one ever makes up their own positions or program at Vibra-Train.

The program, as I’ve said before, is specifically designed for Safety and Excellent Results and happy customers are proof of that.

I was going to title this post - “Difficult Customers” but really if we didn’t have customers we wouldn’t have a studio and I wouldn’t have this job that I enjoy so much.

So customers – the ones who carefully follow the program; the cheerful ones; the ones who seem to question everything; the ones who always have some new little ache or pain that they worry over; the ones I need to instruct every time even though they might be expected to know what to do by now; and yes, even the “difficult” ones – are why I am here at Vibra-Train every weekday morning.

So, who are they and why would I even suggest a customer seems “difficult”?

The customers who appear difficult are the ones who will not accept instruction and think they know better about how to do the positions than the instructor who works with these specific vibration machines every day.  I’m not talking about customers asking questions or getting the pose a little wrong but about the few customers who bring their gym based positions or what they’ve read in the latest fitness magazine and that’s how they insist they are going to do the positions.

The Vibra-Train Safety Program was specifically designed to work-out the whole body.  Everything about how the positions are done; how to get into position and how to maintain it; and even the exact order of the positions is “set in concrete” and must not be changed.  There are alternatives for cases where a person has limited movement.  Also  if a customer really excels in holding positions there are some advanced positions and higher level machines but no one (customer nor instructor) is allowed to “do it differently” just because they do a similar position elsewhere in a gym or another brand of Vibration Studio.  Instructors at Vibra-train are trained to teach the Safety Program and the few allowable alternatives, they will lose their job if customers are seen to be doing whatever they want to do instead of the program.

So, there’s no choice involved. In Vibra-Train studios and now in many other Vibration Training Studios worldwide we use the Vibra-Train Safety Program following the step-by-step instructions on every visit.  Those who argue about it are reminded that they have a huge amount of force coming up at them from the machine platform (or handlebars) and they’d be wise to do as they are told.  There’s always the Exit Door if they refuse.

For more information there’s a series of short videos on YouTube that show each position in detail with instructions and explanation by Lloyd Shaw, designer of both the Vibra-Train brand Vibration Machines and The Safety Program. Starting from The Basic Squat the series is for instructors and anyone who wants to view it.

It’s Tuesday, lunchtime, and my shift at Vibra-Train is over but I’ve stayed on for a while as I often do as I have my own workout to do.

BUT

there’s a problem – and it’s a good one – there’s no Vibration Machines left to me to use.  We have 9 machines in the studio, of varying levels and I can use any one of them; if there was one unoccupied.  We have a walk-in system with no appointment needed and I’m really happy to see so many people here and what’s more it’s been happening often over the past few weeks.

I have my own theory on why we are so popular right now – Winter in New Zealand has been very cold and wet and it’s raining today but the temperature has risen a little so maybe people are dreaming of Spring with thoughts of warm breezes, barbeques at the park and long walks along the beach in the evenings and weekends.  It makes us think of “getting into shape”, shaking off the winter excesses, eating healthy and exercising to build fitness and strength so we can fully enjoy all the free or low cost, outdoor activities that are available in New Zealand Summertime.

Yesterday I worked the early shift, from 6.30am and also a few hours in the evening.  I had many new customers, some who had never used a Vibration Machine before, others who had tried out another brand in their gym or a cheap, low quality pivotal massage machine in someone’s home.

Without exception, all enjoyed, and were challenged by, their first visit! There was no particular “type” of new customer; this didn’t come from advertising or promotions, it’s simply word of mouth and people reading articles in magazines and newspapers or online blogs where people tell of their experience of Vibration Training and the results they’ve achieved.

I’ve had some very fit people try us out lately, guys and girls with great looking bodies achieved by hours and hours of gym or at-home workouts along with careful eating.  Some are skeptical that Vibration Training can offer them anything and they expect to be bored or find the program very easy especially as it’s only around 15 minutes long.  Well, the army guy last Friday was almost crying during the last position of the Vibra-Train Safety Program; the muscle-man LifeFM radio dj didn’t get past position 1 without grunts and complaints about how hard it was; the enthusiastic gym goer who came in with a friend last night left feeling totally fatigued and pushed to her extreme limit as well as happy and mentally alert.

What these already fit people found out was that when they use a high-energy lineal Vibration Platform such as the Vibra-Train brand and the full body Safety Program, they are working with their already developed muscle mass, extending themselves in a way they would find hard to do safely at the gym.  They are getting great benefits, maintaining and building muscle without injuring the origin or insertion points where the muscle attaches to bone, so while they feel fatigue they don’t ache and take days to recover.

Of course you don’t have to be already fit and have good muscle tone to do Pure Vibration Training, it’s for everyone and the results are truely amazing.

I’ve had some time off so this website hasn’t been updated as regularly as usual.  No, I’m not losing interest or changing direction as a few people have asked; I’m even more passionate about the uses and benefits of Vibration Training.

I’ve had two small operations and a time of recovery and even though I’ve been back at work for a month I’ve been taking things easy BUT now I’m back and I’ll be providing regular updates on

The Benefits of Vibration Training Machines and how to use them for fitness and health. There’s some exciting articles coming so keep looking back.

For now here’s another video: In this one you’ll see my boss, Lloyd Shaw of Vibra-Train doing his personal workout.  It’s the same workout that Vibra-Train customers do and he’s very careful to maintain Perfect Position – This is non-negotiable at Vibra-Train.  Sometimes customers have their own way or think they know how a position should be performed but they don’t get that choice here – there are strict step-by-step instructions for each position – that way customers get the results and benefits they are working out for.

I’ve been pondering the question: Can a person effectively work through the safety program on a vibration machine while they are wearing headphones, using their Ipod or other brand of MP3 player?

In a word, the answer is No!

Working in a Vibra-Train Vibration Training Studio I instruct and supervise customers.  Those who are proficient are allowed to do their workout without interuption; that is unless they are out of position and those who insist on wearing headphones are, I’ve observed, frequently out of position.

Listening to music can be helpful when exercising. When running outdoors or on a treadmill or using a cross-trainer machine in the gym having your own choice of music can help with rhythm but in a Vibration Training Studio or when using a machine at home it’s often detrimental, not helpful at all, as it’s all too easy to listen to the music and lose focus, quickly becoming out of postion.

I watch people moving about in time to the music quite oblivious to their lack of concentration.  Then I have to try to yell at them, above the sound of their player, admonishing them to “Get Back into Position!”   It’s said, over and over; When using a high force lineal machine, Perfect Position, is essential to safe and effective training.  Studio customers expect to get great results yet some argue when factors affecting this are pointed out to them.

I’ve toughened up this week.  The change of season to winter in New Zealand takes away the laid back summer style.  Not that I ever let regular customers get far outside of Perfect Position on the machines – they are paying for a high quality program and supervision that gets them great results – but this week sees me turning machines off rather than trying to call out instructions to customers who have their ears plugged up with headphones, their brains tuned into their music and their attention far from the exercise position they are supposed to be concentrating on.  We have background music in the studio that seems loud but when a person is using the machines they can barely hear this music.  It’s deliberately this way; it creates a happy, positive, workout atmosphere but doesn’t deter from the concentration that’s needed to actively think about the vibration machine program.  Customers remain alert to instruction, and, if needed, correction so that their workout is the very best possible, safe, and getting them the results we promise and they want to see.

In studio or at when using a home vibration machine  – 10-15 minutes without the Ipod – it’s not really so hard, is it!

Note: This post is my personal opinion. Vibra-Train customers are allowed to wear their personal mp3 players when using the vibration machines but there is NO excuse for being out of position.  Machines are turned off by an instructor if this happens.

For more information on Vibration Machines, Vibration Training, Vibration Therapy, and The Vibra-Train Safety Program visit: www.vibration-training-advice.com

Right, now that I’ve got your attention by my title I’m going to talk about Women and their weight (or body size) woes.

As we all know there are stages or passages of life; from infancy and childhood, to teen, then adult, through to middle-age (forty maybe) and so on.  We can be thin or a “fatty” as a child and completely different body type as an adult and there are many reasons for this; what and how much food is eaten, hormonal balance, and activity among these.  Some women take part in strenuous sports and seem to have no worries about weight gain and more about exactly what to eat to fuel the activity.  Some have a high metabolism and are always on the move, others no matter how little they eat or how busy their lives are seem to gain weight easily.  Those who are mothers often tend to eat foods more suited to their growing children then to their own needs and with the rush and bustle of everyday life they pay scant attention to the slow but definite weight gain that’s happening each week.

Sports, the track, field and the gym are not the desire of at least half of all women.  They have other interests and others who do enjoy these simply don’t have the money to pay for them during their younger adult life.

We reach 35 or 40 and then comes a time when, for most women, we take “stock” of our lives and plan ahead, maybe making serious New Years Resolutions for the first time; plans to get fitter, look better or retain our youthful looks, and for many – to lose weight.

For those who need to lose weight – the battle begins.  It takes such a short time to realise it’s not an easy task but an ongoing way of life.  It doesn’t matter why or how a women gained weight it’s going to take learning some new skills of fitness exercise and ways of eating to trim down again.  There’s whole industries aimed at women’s weight-loss, organizations like WeightWatchers, Jenny Craig and more.  Local Gyms and Fitness Centres offer specialised programs and doctors sometimes prescribe medications.  There are books on how-to (eat right, exercise and home, take the best vitamins etc) and there are so many internet websites, forums and self-help guides that many women have no idea where to start.  The lucky ones have friends, family, or neighbours to guide them.  Some already know what paths to take as they’ve carefully taken an interest in nutrition and exercise through the years yet still they have gained weight and now need to be be more determined in their efforts to regain control; they might be hampered by emotional overeating or hormonal issues, by diabetes or insulin resistance.  The latter can be a serious problem that means it’s near impossible to lose weight by exercise and less food alone as the body doesn’t burn fat in expected ways.

I encourage women to ask for help.  Find out all you can about “how to” and be sure to engage your medical doctors help by getting a physical checkup before starting any strenuous exercise or dietary program.

I know, personally, the struggles of weight gain and the difficulties of trying to lose fat and regain fitness.  I’ve written my story here:  About Me
I’m currently gaining control again after suffering years of estrogen dominance (hormonal imbalance), some emotional overeating and, even though I’ve been active, lack of regular, planned exercise.  I understand first-hand many of the issues women face and I’m able to encourage and also push customers to work hard to achieve their goals.  Working as an instructor for Vibra-Train in Auckland City I’m in a unique position to help women who like myself who have gained weight as they aged from twenty to thirty and forty.  Vibration Training on high force lineal machines builds fitness and muscle strength, tones and trims the body and is, without exaggeration, a life-saver for some women.

On a forum attached to a website that tells all you want to know about Vibration Training : www.vibration-training-advice.com I have come under attack for being a Fitness Instructor yet being bigger in body size than the (possibly) expected look of one in this job.  My attackers are unknown to me and maybe just throwing stones at the industry I work in but;  If they think that only the Trainer who is 20, slim, athletic and looks great in a bikini is going to be successful in helping women gain fitness and lose fat they are so very wrong.  In training overweight women I have huge advantage as I know how it is, I’ve tried some of the remedies and I’ve found a method of exercise that works for everyone who gives it their best shot; Vibration Training.  Within three or four weeks we see results.  Later add in some gentle cardio exercise, like walking or swimming, adjust one’s diet (or see a specialised dietitian) if needed and smile.

I’d welcome the opportunity to meet anyone who thinks I am unfit to give advice or instruct others in fitness because I am not a “perfect” looking body.  My bet is they are too cowardly to come in to the studio where I work or to contact me personally; probably they are grossly overweight, sad, and too lazy to do anything about it.  I am making a positive difference in the world; in my own life and in many others.  Anyone who speaks against this has some serious problems.

Recommended Websites for Weight Loss and Fitness Gain information:
www.vibration-training-advice.com
www.vibra-train.com

www.one80deg.co.nz
www.metabolicjumpstart.com