Archive for the ‘Vibration Training’ category

Buying a cheap Vibration Machine almost guarantees you a move overseas

June 21st, 2011

I’m joking of course but here’s the serious part – each day I check out the vibration machine auctions on New Zealand’s TradeMe website and I see a trend emerging; many sellers of cheaper machines like the low speed pivotal ones (Crazyfit, Skydancer, SiTrek etc) and the small lineal DKN are selling their machines because they are moving overseas. I check out their other listings to see if they are selling anything I might be interested in but, to my surprise, their only auction is the vibration machine.

Other sellers list their low quality machine with glowing reference to how much weight they’ve lost or how amazing their fitness is now, after using their machine for the past three months. In fact they are now so fit now they are selling it on so that you can get these same incredible results – they don’t need it anymore. I wonder what happens two to four weeks after they stop using the machine. Don’t they realise fitness training must be continued every week, every year, to keep the benefits and not become deconditioned?

These claims are, in my opinion, totally fictitious and could be laughable except for the real truth – that truth is that many of the sellers were ripped off and bought a cheap, or not so cheap in the case of Gymform VibroMax, low quality machine (usually based on claims of health, fitness and even beauty) and now they are fobbing it off onto you, the potential buyer.

I don’t think the sellers on TradeMe deliberately set out to lie about their home machine, well not the everyday people just selling a machine they no longer use, they just advertise it with the same sort of wording that attracted them when they first bought the machine. They want it gone, fast and for as much money as possible especially if it cost them quite a lot. Also, home vibration machines are the size of an armchair so they can be really taking up space; annoyingly if they aren’t being used.

Buyer Beware! Before you buy a secondhand machine ask the seller the real reason why they are selling it. And even more importantly do some research into the varying brands and types of machines available. Vibration Machines are very effective for fitness and strength, for fat-loss, and for helping the body to relax and repair in the case of those with injuries or conditions that require simple blood circulation improvement and gentle muscle stimulation. Make sure what you are buying is the right product for your needs.

A visit to a vibration training studio can be really helpful also. You will learn how to use a machine safely and correctly and maybe you’ll decide a studio with supervised training is a better option, if there’s one you can get to of course.

No comments »

Posted in Brands, Marketing, Vibration Training

Tags: Brands Cost home machines Marketing Users

Meeting a Low Speed Pivotal Vibration Machine Salesman who wanted to be educated

June 19th, 2011

I started writing this article on a flight; returning from an extended weekend in Sydney, Australia visiting my son. We went to several large shopping malls and indulged in lots of shopping as it was Sales time.

Taking a train to Parramatta, an hour trip out of Central Sydney I’d barely begun my degradation into sales mode when I saw a stand in the walkway with a guy selling exercise equipment. My son, Brad, pointed out a vibration machine so I walked over to see what type it was. The salesman asked me if I was interested and had I used one before. He was a really nice guy so I wasn’t going to let him do a sales talk, I told him right away that I worked as an instructor with high energy lineal machines. He actually seemed relieved and asked me to tell him about them as he’d only recently learnt that there were others than the type he was selling.

We talked for about an hour, a time really well spent as this salesman who could have insisted his machine did everything that anyone could want or need, instead wanted to be educated. He even asked about the machine he was selling which was a home machine, quite expensive (but aren’t they all). It was a low speed pivotal (side to side motion) and definitely not the worst I’ve trialled. The sales guy said he was using the machine at home and wanted to know how to use it effectively to get the best results possible. He could see the possibilities of Vibration Training for fitness and weight-loss but no one had even told him how to use the machines he was supposed to be selling.

The salesman was a bit overweight so I first pointed out that the machine was barely coping and he’d do better on a higher quality machine. We then went on to talk about poses that can be used. (there was a poster on the wall with about 30 positions many of which were a bit like yoga and totally impossible and impractical for either me or the guy to attempt). I went through the IVTRB Safety program with him, using the pivotal version and we discussed the speeds/frequencies to set the machine for each pose. I was able to actively demonstrate most of them.

We then used my son’s large screen cellphone to watch the YouTube video of Lloyd Shaw’s work-out – again it’s the IVTRB Safety Program but with a few extra poses, using the Vibra-Train lineal machine with side vibrating handlebars. David, the sales guy, was getting excited and then watching the Full Body Triceps Dip position using side handlebars he realised there was no way to translate this to anything that could be done on his machine. He now wants a Vibra-Train brand Lineal machine. We even had a talk about how Vibra-Train now lease machines for commercial use. I really felt a little sorry for him – he saw what was possible and now he wants it and I’m sure he went home that night to talk to his wife about a trip to Auckland to try out the whole program.

I continued with my shopping but I’d lost interest; instead I was “buzzing”, excited that I’d been able to help someone learn a little more about vibration machines and how to use them. And very happy to have met a salesman who, instead of pretending he already “knew it all” wanted to extend his knowledge.

No comments »

Posted in Industry, Marketing, Programs, Vibration Training

Tags: Experiences Fat-loss Fitness Handlebars home machines Industry Marketing Pivotal Programs Safety Program Videos

Vibration Training after Women’s Surgery

May 17th, 2011

This is a sensitive topic but it is one that I am often asked about. There are surgeries and medical procedures that are specific to women and we need to know when it is okay (and beneficial) to return to using a vibration machine.

Vibration machines come in varying types, varying energy force, and varying qualities so my statements will be very general and women should always be guided by their medical care practitioners to tell them when they can begin any form of therapy or exercise. If a knowledgable instructor is available (at a gym or fitness studio) ask for their help also, to get back into the program slowly, safely and effectively.

The studio where I work (www.vibra-train.com) has high energy lineal vibration machines. These are real workout machines although there are simple ways to use them for therapy also and that’s often where we start after a customer has had an operation.

Women specific surgeries are often in the pelvic area so we don’t want to directly target that area right away, instead letting healing take place without extra stress, but using gentle therapy positions to improve blood circulation can aid healing.

When to begin is individual and it is very important to recognize this!

Starting a few weeks after surgery many people can sit on a chair in front of a lineal (upright) vibration machine and place their feet onto the front edge of the machine with a mat on the platform to take some of the force. Running the machine for a minute to three minutes this position increases blood circulation through the legs to the whole body. Assuming nutrition is adequate this is a very good start for healing. It reduces the risk of blood clots forming in the legs due to inactivity. Be aware though; even this simple position might be uncomfortable (including discomfort in pelvic region) and if it is then more time is needed before using a machine.

Remember the time to start or resume vibration training is individual but I can tell of my own experience after a womens surgery. It was a moderate level surgery and I was allowed to begin simple exercise after six weeks. I’d tried sitting in front of a high energy lineal machine a few weeks before this but found it gave an decidedly uncomfortable feeling into my pelvic region so I wasn’t able to do this.

I was keen to get back into the routine so after seven weeks I started with just the basic squat position on the lowest level machine in the studio where I work. To reduce the intensity I place 3 rubber mats, on top of each other, onto the machine platform. I was using the Vibra-Train machine that has side vibrating handlebars so I was fully supported by holding onto these and able to take at least half of the pressure through my arms; so my surgery area was protected from a lot of stimulation.

I began training again in this way. I did only one sixty second basic squat position. I had a days rest then I began doing just that one sixty second squat each day (with weekends off) always remembering 3 levels of mats under my feet. I slowly progressed to two squats (2 x 60 seconds) and then to three and added in the simple push-up position. By this time I was moving from what we call “therapy” to real training so I needed the usual rest day between sessions. My training days were Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with weekends off. The machines I use are high energy lineal platforms and the training is real – it’s hard work and its meant to be. Some days I coudn’t do it – the stimulation into my pelvis felt too extreme or I felt tired, so those days I did less or nothing at all. It was important to get back my strength as fast as I could but I had to learn to listen to my body and let it heal.

It’s taken four months to get back into the regular safety program, adding in positions as I was comfortable with them. The wide stance squat was the last as that obviously sent some feeling into the pelvis. I was hampered by infection on and off and extreme tiredness but my progress has been excellent.

IMPORTANT NOTE: It’s essential to have your surgeon’s clearance to begin any excercise program after surgery. Also please be aware that a hysterectomy or any operation that required an abdominal or pelvic cut (as opposed to laparoscopic like I had) would require a longer time before using a machine. Machine intensities vary – be guided by how you are feeling. Training is always hard work but pain is not to be ignored especially in the region of your surgery. Be careful and don’t train if it doesn’t feel okay. If you’ve been using a machine before surgery you’ll know what I mean. Train Smart!

1 comment »

Posted in Experiences, Uncategorized, Vibration Training, Women, health

Safety Program for use with Lineal Vibration Machines

April 12th, 2011

Does your Gym or Fitness Centre have a Vibration Machine in the corner or in a side room but you don’t know how to use it?

Does it have a chart on the wall with stick figures in many strange poses? Are the trainers clueless when it comes to this piece of equipment?

Do you want to know how to use your home machine safely and effectively?

(many come with long, confusing workout suggestions written in broken english or just pictures with instruction in chinese languages)

Did you buy a machine on Ebay or New Zealand’s TradeMe and you don’t really know how to use it?

Here is a poster and link to clear instructions on the use of Lineal Vibration Machines. It is designed for medium and higher energy platforms like VibroGym, BodyShaker, DKN Lineal platforms, and Power Plate clones BUT it’s also effective with low energy home machines of the sort you can buy in a sports or general supply shop or online.

If you are using a lower force machine, once you’ve mastered the program and are making sure you are getting into and maintaining Perfect Position you can double up on the squats and later on the full program. Doubling up on a pose can be performing it for 2 minutes instead of 1 or doing two sets of 1 minute poses dependant on the timing controls available on the machine.

Be sure your machine is lineal (upright vibration) before following these instructions although most positions can be adapted for pivotal (side to side) machines.

Note: Do not attempt the plank position in these instructions on a pivotal platform. Full instructions for the safe use of pivotal vibration machines will be available very soon.

IVTRB Safety Program Step-by-Step instructions: Click here for instructions and explanation of each position.

And here’s the poster. If you click on it, it links through to a larger copy.

It is essential to follow the instructions in conjunction with the poster. By carefully going through it step-by-step you can be sure of getting into position correctly and having an effective workout.
Do not ever simply try to copy the poster!

No comments »

Posted in Lineal, Programs, Uncategorized, Vibration Training

Tags: Exercise Lineal Machines Safety Program

Vibration Training – The Results of Five Years Training – Lloyd Shaw pics

April 8th, 2011

This photo essay show the results of 5 years of fitness workouts using only Vibra-Train brand vibration machines; a self test done by the owner and designer of the machines, Lloyd Shaw.

Lloyd Shaw at the beginning of Vibra-Train quite chubby

Lloyd Shaw at the start of the Vibra-Train test

Picture 1: shows Lloyd Shaw in 2004. Back then he loved his gym workouts – 1 and 1/2 hour sessions six days a week. Add in cardio sessions three times a week also, sprints and swimming.

He looks good but decidedly chubby. His muscle definition was better than the average gym goer but there’s no way he would take off his shirt and pose back then. And look at his arms; there’s muscle there but they have a covering of fat.

Lloyd Shaw Vibra-Train

Picture 2: Two years into a self test, using only Vibra-Train brand machines and the Vibra-Train Safety Program for workouts; this picture shows a very cut look. It was taken on impulse and looked so good the background was added for use as a poster. Lloyd’s only gym visits were once every few months to check out his strength which was increasing.

Picture 3: Fast forward to 2011. The picture below of Lloyd Shaw taken April 7th, 2011 – a slimmer profile showing amazing abs and a completely balanced look.

Lloyd Shaw Vibration Training Muscles April 2011

The picture is completely unedited and was taken on a whim. I thought it was so good I had to publish it.

It’s now 5 years since Lloyd Shaw began his “Vibra-Train as only exercise” test using himself as the test subject. This look was achieved solely using Vibra-Train brand Vibration Machines. I know Lloyd well and can attest that his diet isn’t always great (too much fastfood) although he has cleaned it up somewhat this year.

Individual results vary of course; some people are badly hampered by hormonal or overweight/fat issues, stress or injury. Some people respond very quickly to this form of exercise while for others their body goes through other changes first but for everyone results begin to show after just a few weeks and are ongoing.

Here’s Lloyd Shaw’s personal Vibration Training Workout: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PikfQv7uwwo

and the Vibra-Train Safety Program:

Vibration Training Safety Program for Lineal Machines

1 comment »

Posted in Benefits, Brands, Experiences, Industry, Other Articles, Programs, Safety Program, Vibra-Train, Vibration Training, Videos, health

Tags: Brands Effort Exercise Experiences Fitness health Industry Programs Results Safety Program Training Vibra-Train Videos

The Reason Vibra-Train exists

March 28th, 2011

Sunday 27th March there was a short segment on TV3 news about Obesity and the challenges it presents to the medical profession and the funeral directors even coping with people with huge body weight.

Vibra-Train exists to help these people before it’s too late.

Of course all other people benefit from Vibration Training too but if we can save lives by providing a very safe and effective means of exercising for people who are too large to even walk to the letterbox and those just mildly obese (catch them before they become morbidly obese) then Lloyd Shaw the designer of the machines has suceeded in his purpose – that people stop dying unnecessarily.

Here’s the video clip:

NZ\’s expanding waistline poses challenges for health service

and for those who can’t access video clips in New Zealand, here’s a text version:

NZ’s expanding waistline poses challenges for health service – text

No comments »

Posted in Benefits, Vibra-Train, Vibration Training

Tags: Fat-loss Fitness Videos Weight-loss

Vibration Training helps improve Balance in Older Adults

March 4th, 2011

This short blog’s title says it all – using a vibration machine improves balance. Let’s look at where that’s helpful

Older Man on Vibration Machine For the older adult exercise improves balance and stability and so lessens the risk of falling over. This is something that its hard to even visualise when we are younger and rushing here and there with no thought of our legs not holding us up but its a fact of aging that people lose some of that ability to balance.

There are several reasons for this; one is proprioception - the awareness of where one’s limbs are in relation to 3-D space. Our brain and our body responds to the surfaces and even the air around us and when we are standing or walking keeps us balanced and not leaning too far forward, back, sideways or toppling over. The brain responds and controls part of this and there’s also our kinesthetic sense which also involves reflexes, muscle memory and hand/eye coordination.

A second reason is that muscles can become rigid as a person ages and less able to respond rapidly to changes in environment. Exercise helps them stay flexible. There is also movement of joints, range of motion, and agility; all of which deteriorate somewhat as we age.

This all sounds quite negative but there is a lot we can do to improve balance and coordination in older people or better still, to prevent some of the decline in the first place.

Exercise!

Of course this has to be easily available, not too demanding (although it has to push the person as that’s how we adapt), and suited to the abilities of the individual. Older people are greatly encouraged to take walks and to engage in a resistance training program (weights) maybe at their local fitness centre. How much physical exercise a person can do depends on how low or high their risk of falling is, on their general health and fitness level, and also on personal preferences.

This is where Vibration Training is like a “wonder drug”. It improves balance effectively and stabilises and strengthens the muscles supporting the joints. It has a positive effect on mind/body communication along with improving circulation and decreasing pain. The greatest thing, in my opinion and experience, is that almost everyone can participate. There’s supervised training and/or therapy available in Vibration Training studios in some countries and there’s home machines of varying types and intensit available worldwide.

Both pivotal (see-saw motion) and lineal (upright movement) machines are effective for improving balance. There may be reasons of availability, injury, general health or preference to choose one type over the other.

More information is available at www.vibration-training-advice.com where there is also a forum for asking specific questions after reading the articles.

No comments »

Posted in Benefits, Experiences, Vibration Training

Tags: Customers Exercise health Older Adults Users

Guys – Vibration Training is Hard Work!

February 15th, 2011

This year’s really going off at Vibra-Train.

All the studios in New Zealand and Australia are busy with regular customers and lots of “newbies” – people who come in for a trial session; some buy a concession card or membership right away, others go away and think about it; all are thoroughly impressed at how hard it is and can see right away that it’s going to be effective for their fitness and strength training.

HARD – Yes I used the word Hard

This year’s new customers have taken the time to find out what they’re in for – most already know its going to be exercise which is, as we all know, hard work; you can’t get results by just messing about. The Vibra-Train safety Program (used in Vibra-Train and many other vibration studios worldwide) is exacting; we insist that customers maintain perfect position throughout the time duration of each pose.

Can it be too hard for some people? This really isn’t a problem as the Safety Program accounts for all the aches Vibra-Train Bullet Machine and injuries a person might have while still allowing advanced users to “go harder”. There’s four varying levels of the “Bullet” (Vibra-Train’s lineal vibration machine) in the studio I’m working in plus there’s the “Vibra” machines with side vibrating handlebars that are used both for extension work and for simpler, greater support for those who are less able or have injuries.

So, what about Guys?

Well, this year there’s been a lot of guys coming in for trial sessions. Some already know they are going to have to work hard; others, especially those who come with their girlfriend or partner, have the idea that vibration training is for the girls (they’ve seen an advert for a cheap machine or maybe seen a video with pretty girls on a light machine) and they come with an opinion that its not really serious exercise.

Guys with this attitude are a lot of fun for the trainers – it can take just 60 seconds to change their mind and by the end of a 8-10 minute session they leave exhausted. Of course we have to be careful not to injure the male’s fragile ego by making the session too hard while their female friend just gets on with it without complaint but we do make sure they leave suitably impressed.

Many of the guys who are already fit and carry extra muscle mass find the workouts on the Vibra-Train machines to be really hard. I’m training some very strong guys at present, one in particular who is a Personal Trainer himself and is using Vibration Training to add that “extra” to his program. There’s another who was becoming quite fit and had lost a lot of stomach flab but he definitely over-indulged over Christmas and came back in a lot heavier – he came back in saying he was “afraid” of me. He knew I would insist he worked through the sessions correctly and safely and work very hard to get back into shape. He’s already getting great results again after just three weeks ( 9 sessions).

Guys who have never exercised in their lives do well with Vibration Training. On the vibration machines they are working with their own body as resistance so they can handle the program just as well as those who are already highly trained or fit. Of course it all seems very hard at first but that would be true of any exercise.

Then there’s the runners and those who regularly cycle long distances. These guys have strong legs; they can easily vibrogym professional hold the squat positions but they fail in the upper body work. Vibration Training on high-force lineal machines such as the Vibra-Train or Vibro-Gym helps to even out their training and give them overall fitness.

Any guy reading this who still thinks vibration training is for chicks is welcome to come into a Vibra-Train studio for a free session.

No comments »

Posted in Benefits, Experiences, Programs, Vibration Training

Tags: Customers Experiences Fitness Guys Instructor Results Studio

Senior Citizens can do Vibration Training

February 11th, 2011

This is a question I get asked quite often. The phone rings in the Vibra-Train studio and a lady tells me she wants to start coming in regularly but lives across town. There’s a studio near to her home so I direct her there. She says she has been into the studio where I work but not for a few years and she’s retired now and wants to spend some time improving her fitness. She asks me if she will need a special program now that she’s 60 and “old”.

My first reaction is to laugh as I don’t see 60 as old but I stifle that as I realise that she’s totally serious and besides most gyms have senior citizens programs for 60 years and above. There’s good reason for that, taking care of aging muscles and your heart can require going a little easier but health and fitness professionals recommend you continue exercise all your life. When discussing forms of excercise with customers or people coming into the studio for a trial visit Lloyd Shaw of Vibra-Train says,“Don’t begin any exercise you can’t continue for the rest of your life”.

This year we’ve had quite a lot of older people come into the Auckland City Vibra-Train Studio and from the phone call enquiries I’ve taken I’d say other studios have also.

So do these older people use a special training program?

The short answer is No! the Vibra-Train Safety Program was designed to take into account the worse case scenario – it’s safe and very effective for just about everyone and just about everyone who comes into the studio where I work does the same program. There are ways we extend the program for those who are proficient and hold excellent position on the machines; they can do some positions for longer or use a higher level machine. And there are ways to make it easier for those who would otherwise find it all too difficult. This is not necessarily seniors; most do the regular program.

Vibra-Train has the only vibration machines in the world with vibrating side handlebars.

These are so amazing; they allow people with hip, knee and ankle problems and people who are obese and need extra support to use the machines in squat positions in a totally safe, controlled way.

So, you might ask, what about the person who is unsteady on their feet, those who are wheelchair bound or even what if someone is just plain scared of the vibration feeling of the machines? The handlebars allow many people to use the machines well supported in a squat position. This might be the only position a less-abled person does on their first few visits. Repeated three of four times it gives plenty of stimulation to muscles throughout the whole body – remember the handlebars vibrate as well as the platform. It also gives improved blood circulation, relaxation and much more, so much that some people walk in stooped over and walk out straightened up.

The wheelchair bound and the few people who really are unsure of the feeling of the machines are able to sit in front of a machine and by placing their feet on the front edge of the platform (with or without a rubber mat under them) they receive stimulation to their legs and buttocks. This brings real benefits to those who have little or no active leg control (but that’s for another time).

No comments »

Posted in Benefits, Experiences, Programs, Vibration Training

Tags: Customers Disabilities Experiences Therapy Users Vibra-Train

I have Diabetes Can I do Vibration Training?

February 3rd, 2011

This is a question I am asked quite often when people call the Vibra-Train studio where I work. Can people with diabetes do Vibration Training? The simple answer is YES, you can do vibration training if you have diabetes but let’s look into it a bit deeper.

People with Type-2 Diabetes are encouraged to exercise yet many don’t even try. One of the reasons is that they are often overweight and get painful knees, hips, or back if they try to run or even walk for more than a short distance. Gyms can seem very daunting despite their advertising and often very sucessful transformation/weightloss programs. And really, many people are just lazy – they don’t want to exercise, especially if it means they have to make any sort of effort beyond pressing the buttons on the TV remote and lifting the glass of Coke to their lips.

Training on high force vibration machines is safe and effective for Type-2 diabetics. At the Vibra-Train brand studios there are machines with side handlebars to hold onto; the person’s knees and hips are well supported. Vibration Training causes a rapid drop in blood glucose levels and so can be used to manage glycemic control. It’s highly effective strength and fitness training and by raising the metabolism and building muscle strength body fat is decreased.

It also helps with muscle uptake and storage of glucose and can sometimes mean the difference between “medicinal” or “lifestyle” control of type 2 diabetes and, very importantly, it helps those with impaired glucose tolerance (pre-diabetes). My own experience has been exactly this. My blood sugar at fasting or spot checks is now absolutely normal.

Some Vibra-Train customers are Type-1 diabetics. This requires different management. These customers always eat before training (it’s the Number One on the “Rules @ Vibra-Train” list for everyone anyway). They test their blood sugar before and after and tell me just 10-12 minutes of training using the Vibra-Train Safety Program really eats through their blood glucose. We ask these customers to make sure they bring a snack with them and whatever other supplies they might need. Some vibration training companies list Type-1 Diabetes as a contra-indication to training but I can’t see any problem with it as long as the person has some stability and control over their condition. Obviously their doctor will advise them if exercise is not suitable for them at any time.

I have a current customer who has fairly recently been diagnosed with sudden onset, adult, Type-1 diabetes. This is less common but it happens. She told me that she was incorrectly diagnosed as Type-2 at first and now that’s been corrected she’s setting into the correct regime of injectable insulin to manage it. She’s enjoying coming in to Vibra-Train’s Auckland City Studio – it’s fast, effective excercise she can do and I’m really interested to watch her progress.

Vibration Training is an excellent addition to lifestyle modification for people with Diabetes.

Please remember to inform your instructor. They will then be more aware of subtle signs that show if you’re feeling dizzy; if your blood sugar drops too suddenly. Also that in the very unlikely event that you do faint, they know to call for medical assistance immediately.

A medical study: Efficiency of vibration exercise for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients