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Exercise before Breakfast? Cardio? Resistance? Vibration Training?

July 17th, 2009

Should I eat before I work-out?

It’s quite a common question and some books and websites encourage people to exercise before eating breakfast with the reasoning that their bodies will find the fuel needed from fat stores and so encourage toning and weightloss.

The problem with this is that the fat within cells is not a readily available fuel.  If no food has been eaten plasma glucose is rapidly used up and the body then moves to its secondary fuel source, glycogen, stored in the liver and muscles.  The process of coverting triclycerides from fat takes longer.

There’s strong opinion on both sides about going for a morning walk or easy run before eating because, basically, as long as you take it slowly you might be okay but when it comes to resistance exercise and vibration training there’s no argument about it –

You Must Eat before your session!

Vibration Training causes you to burn up loads of energy within each 60 second position on the machine.  Muscle contraction of this magnitude, using 100% of muscle fibres, needs fuel and it’s all too easy to become hypoglycaemic in an instant at any time during the program.  Some people feel a little dizzy or nauseous, others cope with the program with no apparent difficulty and then having thoroughly depleted their body’s supply of blood glucose symptoms hit them hard and fast with insufficient oxygen reaching the brain and they pass out.

heart sausages for lovely breakfastThis morning my first two customers at 6.30am were mother and son.  For the son on his fourth session he knew the rules – eat before coming in – but he hadn’t conveyed this to his mother and I made the mistake of forgetting to ask.

The mother was healthy and strong and had no trouble working through the program until she dropped straight into hypoglycaemia and fainted.  Even the sports drink I had on hand was insufficient to stop the brain fog she continued to experience afterwards.

It’s my responsibility as an instructor to ensure customers have eaten adequately before their session and today I failed in this – a lesson I hope I have now learnt well!


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Posted in Experiences, Instructor, Women, health

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It’s cold today and still the customers come in

July 9th, 2009

It’s very cold today and even in the studio I’m finding it hard to stay warm. Customers seem to arrive in groups with quiet times inbetween and today, I’m rather unmotivated in the quieter periods although I have cleaned the studio. The small amount of cold air that comes under the glass doors keeps chilling me and I’m looking forward to taking a walk in the sunshine after lunch.

The cold has not stopped regular customers from coming in though and even the elderly priest who comes in twice a week has driven across town to do his Vibra-Train session. I’ve noticed a big improvement in his abilities over the past three months. Not only is holding better position when using the Vibra-Train machine, his mental capacity has improved and he’s brighter, and now remembers the order of the program. I make sure he’s in perfect position for each of the 60 second poses and then at the end of the program he holds a 3 minute “ski-the-slopes” position. The wall chart states 2 minutes for this final position and many people only manage 1 minute but our infamous studio priest puts many of the younger, stronger customers to shame by holding excellent position throughout a whole 180 seconds.

Father D. is a man of average to solid build, in his 80’s and he’s an inspiration to other studio customers. At an age when some would be resting all day he still attends to parish duties and keeps fit with regular vibration training sessions. He’s also proof that vibration training on high energy lineal machines is effective for all ages. He never misses his sessions.

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Posted in Benefits, Instructor, health

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I know it all now – yeah right!

July 1st, 2009

dreamstimefree_698447In New Zealand we have a saying – It’s “Yeah Right!” It means “No, I do not agree!” and it’s used in a humorous or satirical manner.   A favourite of mine is when students tell their teachers, “I’ve been studying all summer”.  The repy is, “Yeah Right!”  Or when your partner says, “of course I’ll clean up the flat” when you know he’s going to be watching the match on TV all afternoon.  We laugh and say, “Yeah Right!”  New Zealand’s Tui Breweries has run a very sucessful billboard campaign using the “Yeah Right” slogan.

So, of course, the title of this article is a joke!

I’ve been reminded this week of how little I actually know; how much there still is to learn.  I’ve learnt how to put customers through the Safety Program correctly, making sure they get into perfect position and correct as necessary so they stay in position and get all the benefits the training gives.  I’ve updated the knowledge needed to assess a new customers needs based on their answers to medical and injury questions on the Health Screen they complete when they first come into the studio.  I’ve worked with customers to achieve great results ranging from fat-loss and fitness gains to injury recovery, core strength and more.

Yet each day I come across a situation I am tested in.  A customer with knee pain, a customer who feels faint during the program, children who find it difficult to play quietly and instead try to run about the studio; these are the simple conditions I deal with each day.  The more difficult ones like medical conditions that might affect how a customer copes with the vibration training program or how they are affected afterwards, things like auto-immune conditions, then I am able to ask for help from Lloyd Shaw, who is my boss and the owner and developer of the Vibra-Train brand of machines.  All the Vibra-Train studios have the same access to help and even other brands of vibration machine owners call from all around the world to get advice in specific situations.

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Posted in Instructor, health

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Busy Day and New Customers

June 8th, 2009

This morning was very busy in the Vibra-Train studio where I work.  It’s Monday which although steady isn’t usually my busiest day and I can do some cleaning and catch up on learning/keeping up to date in the times between customers.

But, not so this morning! The studio was buzzing with customers right from opening time of 6.30am and didn’t let up for the next three hours.  What a great way to start the week! I’ve said before; the morning customers are a friendly, lively lot even those who rush in, rush out on their way to work.  Sharing a laugh always “makes my day”.

I finally booted up the computer at 9.30am but before I got online a lady came in who hadn’t done vibration training before.  As she filled in the health and information form she told me she had some problems with bone density but through simple weight training and diet this was improving.  I was so happy to be able to tell her that Vibration Training using high energy lineal machines such as the ones she was about to use would also help her.  As we worked through the Safety Program she proved that she was much stronger than I had judged her to be.  She was quite “body aware” and very particular about perfect position on the machines so she was easy to work with.  As she left she told me that she had enjoyed the session and that she had also been “trying us out” to see if her sister, who is quite overweight, would benefit from coming in.  I’m looking forward to seeing her again later in the week and hoping her sister will also come along.

Each day fills me with excitement as I learn more and more and get to use these skills to instruct customers.  I’m privileged to be working with amazing machines at Vibra-Train and I get to see the benefits that customers gain, increases in overall fitness and health and specific problems improved or healed.  Obesity and low bone density are both conditions helped very much by Vibration Training!

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Posted in Instructor, Vibra-Train

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-2 degrees this morning

June 4th, 2009

The lowest temperature recorded in Auckland this morning, June 4th, was -2 degrees C.  A big chill has been over the country for a few days now. The sunshine later in the day is very appreciated.  This morning though was unusual as Auckland temperatures rarely fall below 4 degrees C. Today some places in the North Island recorded lower temperatures than the chilly South Island.  Ice in Auckland isn’t nice but I’m dreaming of white snowy mountains, Ruapehu in the North Island and Mt Hutt in the South being my favorites.

This morning, at work, it was a little slower than usual for a Thurday and it wasn’t until my son, Brad, called me with the above temperature details that I realised why.  Only the “Vibe Junkies” had left the warmth of their homes and offices to come in and train.

slim shaped girl jumpingWe received the best compliment from one customer; she told me that she was going to the gym for Spin class after her Vibra-Train session and that she’d come in feeling stiff and sluggish, wondering if she would cope but after her work-out she felt “alive”.  She said she’d not only warmed up but her whole body felt invigorated and stiff muscles had relaxed.  She left saying she was going to recommend vibration training to her Spin classmates.

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Posted in Experiences, Instructor, Off Topic, Vibra-Train

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When the going gets tough

May 28th, 2009

It’s winter in New Zealand. Auckland temperatures are mild but it’s a lot harder getting out of a warm bed at 5am.  And after two months in my new job the honeymoon period is over.  Settling in was easy; the morning clients are so friendly and the first ones each day are suprisingly wide-awake and ready for their Vibration Training work-out at 6.30am on cold, wet mornings.  One brings me egg sandwiches or chocolate meusli bars for breakfast twice a week.  Others tell me what they have happening at home or work but mostly they just want to get into their session as their time is limited.

dreamstimefree_1357055Somedays I drift back to sleep when my first alarm rings and wake with a jolt 5 minutes later when the alarm on my cellphone sounds loudly.  I’m fortunate to be living very cose to the Vibra-Train studio where I work so mornings are not rushed.  Some days I eat breakfast before I leave, other days I arrive at work early, make coffee, cereal and yougurt and relax for 5 minutes; then a quick clean and tidy of the studio, checking the control units, placing the mats near the machines if they were left out the previous night, set the music volume, open the blinds, unlock the door, take a deep breath of cool clear winter air, and the first customers arrive. » Read more: When the going gets tough

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Posted in Instructor, Vibra-Train

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30 something with kids

May 22nd, 2009

I must look again at my job description – no one told me it included being a Nanny.

Each day I welcome moms and their toddlers into the Vibra-Train studio where I work.  Maintaining and increasing fitness is essential to these moms who are “on call” 24 hours a day looking after their children.  They tell me how much they gain from the short (10-15 minute) work-out time.

Weightloss, fat-loss, improved muscle tone and strength, re-balancing hormones naturally, reducing stress and raising serotonin levels in the brain (helps us feel good) are among the benefits gained;  also the “time-out” from their busy day is a bonus and these ladies really enjoy their visits.  They tell me both they and their children look forward to coming into the studio especially as I not only watch over and guide their training, ensuring they do the program correctly, but I also entertain their children while they train.

When I started working mornings at Vibra-Train some of mothers asked if we could get a playpen or set up an area where their children could safely play while they worked-out.  This works very well in some studios. This studio is Head Office, workshop, and sports clinic, as well a regular Vibration Training Studio in a limited space so a different solution was needed.

It was easy, the solution was a ball, not just any ball; the previous instructor had brought in a big bouncy ball, which big bounced out the door onto the roadway all too often, but a light 500gram weight ball. It doesn’t bounce but its heavy enough to be “different” and the kids love it.  The other toys I’ve added are a bright well-made plastic truck with a man who can be placed into the driver’s seat, and a simple coloring book with large, easy to hold crayons.

We strongly discourage children from climbing onto the machines, even ones that are not being used. Playing around any moving equipment and that includes vibrating platforms isn’t wise so I’m pleased my simple toys and a little attention makes this studio a very welcome place for mothers with young children.

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Posted in Instructor, Vibra-Train

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Loving It!

May 12th, 2009

dreamstime-happy-womenThe title says it all.  I am loving my job at Vibra-Train.  I’ve been thinking of how we sometimes travel paths that seemingly do not add to the realisation of our dreams, then later we look back and “see” that the way we’ve travelled has enriched and taught us what was needed.

At the start of this year I began to wish there was another area of the health and fitness industry that I could find a place in.  I loved being involved in Vibration Training and I’d take any opportunity, just to be in a Studio where I could learn more and whenever possible, observe at a distance (customers don’t welcome onlookers, of course) but it seemed unlikely that I’d soon work in the industry.  Being almost fit to return to work after injuring my shoulders I began updating my resume to apply for jobs in health insurance sales or claims.  I could not however shake off a strong feeling that my future was alongside that of Vibra-Train.  This was confirmed in small, almost supernatural, ways which I could not ignore but did not tell anyone.

It was the best surprise ever, receiving a phone call offering me a job at Vibra-Train, beginning April.  I was very excited, then feelings of inadequacy and trepidation plagued me.  Reading over articles,  making sure I remembered all I needed to know, then working alongside Carl, who I was to replace, put me at ease.

Now, I love it!  Changing from a late-night person who rarely slept before 2am to a 10pm bedtime and up at 5.30am has not been as hard as I’d expected as each day is so exciting, bringing new challenges in the form of new customers and watching over “regulars”.  Making other changes to my life has allowed me to regain the strength of character and confidence I used to have, needed to correct the positions on the machines of even the most stubborn customer when necessary.  They are paying for a quality session and I ensure they get it, everytime.  Feedback has been all positive.

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Posted in Instructor, Off Topic

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Position Position Position

May 7th, 2009

Many articles have been written about the importance of starting in, and remaining in correct position on the vibration machines throughout the entire 60 seconds of each pose.

Despite perfect position on machines being non-negotiable in Vibra-Train studios some customers still complain, telling me that standing with feet hip width apart and straight (toes pointing ahead) is not possible, not natural, or not “some other excuse”.  I agree that it feels “odd” for those who have done dancing, military training or stood “at ease” for long periods of time at school assembly, outdoors, in the hot sun, daydreaming about the cute new boy in biology class instead of listening to the Headmaster, but correct foot position is essential so that in the squat the body is symmetrical and balanced allowing the vibrations to target the muscles accurately.

Being out of position on a High Force Vertical Vibration Platform has the potential to be dangerous.  If the knees are forward of the toes in a squat position the vibrations are not targetting the girth of the muscles, as purposed, but are affecting the knees. 

Recently I’ve experienced how “being out of position” can even affect Trainers. Somedays I help new customers by placing my right leg up onto the machine for stability while I help them with the superman squat, supporting their balance by holding their arms up for the last 10 or 20 seconds of the position.  This should not cause me any discomfort but somedays I’ve developed a sore knee.  I have a cartilage tear in that knee and healing is helped by the vibration of the machines so I’ve been puzzled why it has been painful.  It was very simple -  by placing my foot onto the platform at a slight angle rather than straight in front of my body, I was “out of position”. Trainers must be aware, at all times, never becoming complacent or careless around the machines.  I’ve corrected and have no knee pain.

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Posted in Experiences, Instructor, Programs, Vibra-Train, Vibration Training

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Tough Guys 2

May 5th, 2009

Two other tough guys who come into the Vibra-Train City Studio and are worthy of congratulations as they work-out very hard.

The first is an elderly frail looking Priest.  Yes, you’ve read it right. Remember Vibration Training is for everyone!

And we can also provide Vibration Therapy for those who need rehab or a less intensive workout due to injuries or health concerns.  Not so with our Priest,  he works out harder than most, only some athletes could be said to train harder.

The first time I watched over him (he loves the attention and I’m sure he fakes forgetting which position comes next) I was scared, watching this 80-something man hold good position on the machine and cunningly set the dials to 120 seconds instead of the regular 60 seconds.  He’s been given permission to do this but only on some positions and he really is very sneaky.  A real character, I now look forward to his visits.

It could be said he brings some balance to the studio as he leaves saying, “God Bless You”.  I smile as I hear Lloyd in  the background yelling at a customer, telling them to “tough it out” and telling them “God’s not going to help you”, in response to plaintive cries of “Oh God, God, this is too hard!” Hard training and maybe God’s blessing keeps our Priest very fit and strong.

Tough Guy with AttitudeThe other “tough guy” I’ve had in the studio recently was a “newbie”.  This guy’s attitude preceded him as he walked in the door.  He was, “I know it all.  I did vibration training years ago”. He told me he used to sell another brand of machines.

I warned him that Vibra-Train machines had a much stronger force than the ones he’d used and they would seem like toys in comparison as they were suitable for therapy and light training, not enough for a muscle-bound guy like him.  The first 60 second basic squat was all the  proof needed.  He changed his story, telling me actually hadn’t used the other brand machines often and although he had helped with sales, this was only weekends and it was “years ago”.  Working through the “Safety Program” and he trained hard, completely failing several times, not able to hold the positions correctly.  He loved it.  Showing him the higher level machines (the Level 3 and Level 5-Sports Model) I overlooked telling him that all Vibra-Train machines use same frequency, 43Hz, that’s not the factor controlling the “force” of the vibration as some other brands say.

A final “pull-up” position (only possible on machines with vibrating, side handle-bars) was the clincher, he paid up for a concession card right away.

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Posted in Experiences, Instructor, Lineal, Marketing, Pivotal, Programs, Vibra-Train, Vibration Training

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