We often talk about the different machine types and brands available and the Vibra-Train difference.

I worked on Sunday, and two new customers had specific back injuries that required me to make decisions about their ability to follow the standard safety program.  I have the option of giving them fully assisted (side vibrating handlebars) squats so that their lower back, hips, knees and ankles have even more support and allowing them work through the whole program; or, if necessary, they can do only the side handlebar assisted squats, that’s if their medical condition or severity of injury suggests they will be unable to do the regular program.

I have to make the choice.  I’ve gained experience in this and I can always refer back to Lloyd Shaw, the owner of Vibra-Train if I am really unsure but he expects me to be competent in this by now.  Sometimes I wait and and then decide  from how well they handle Position 1 – The Basic Squat – getting them to use the side handlebars instead of front ones, but even before that very first first position, I’ll be thinking and deciding as they’ve filled in a questionaire and we’ll have discussed their health or injury concerns.

Confidence is the thing -  I can make the right decisions for these customers.  I can decide if they can follow a Training program or is they need to start with Vibration Therapy.  It’s really not hard to decide!  I err on the side of caution but I don’t want to send a customer away disappointed because they could have done more.

So, yesterday’s customers – one had a severe lower back problem and had expected to have surgery but was declined by our national accident insurance system.  Despite her injury being the result of an accident there was an element of degenerative plus overuse issues.  She was hoping her private medical insurance would help pay for the needed surgery and told me she was currently unable to lift up and carry her 18 month old toddler.  It was quickly obvious that she was not able to work through the full program so she did a simple set of side handlebar assisted squats and will come back in few days to tell us how she felt afterwards and then we may increase what she does – She did Vibration Therapy.

The other customer with lower back and knee pain arrived later in the day.  Her injuries resulted from years of working in childcare squatting on the floor while she played with children and picking them up from the ground.  I thought she would be able to do the full Safety Program using the side handlebars for support in the squat positions.  Then as my boss walked into the studio I decided to ask his advice.  Lloyd (my boss) took over and put the customer through the program and I observed.  She did the full program – Vibration Training. I noticed she was putting her body weight onto her toes not balanced onto heels and toes.  This was what was causing her back and knee pain as it was the way she regularly squatted down when playing with young children.  Lloyd pointed this out to her and told her how much she would benefit from the Vibra-Train Safety Program; with an instructor supervising her sessions she would quickly learn to keep her heels down and take the pressure off her knees, also keeping her back neutral and relaxed.

I love it when I see Vibration Training giving such benefits that will change a young person’s life so dramatically. I’m excited to be able to watch this new customer’s progress.

Or perhaps you own or run a Vibration Training Studio or you’re interested in getting into this industry – You want your clients to get great results but there are so many choices of machine brands, type, price and quality, so what should you demand from the company you choose to supply your machines?

Watch this Video,

“What to look for in a Commercial Vibration Training Platform”

One of the sellers of low energy, cheap to manufacture, machines has banned me. That means I can’t ask any questions on his auctions or give any reply when he misleads potential buyers by his auction wording or in replies to questions asked.

This seller trades on TradeMe as Fitness Hire Ltd or razzel1 and they use the brand name SiTrek Vibration Trainer. They say its one of the most sold vibration machines in the world.  This is true, it’s the well know, CrazyFit Massager. Read a little about them: Click here

I wrote of how this auction seller of new cheaply made, low energy, pivotal machines advertised them in a manner that made them sound equal to high force Studio platforms and even said, ” don’t waste your money going to a studio”.  They say that for benefits equal to working out for an hour at the gym all you need to do is STAND on the machine while you watch TV or listen to music”.  Then you’ll get increased circulation (that’s partially true), increased metabolism and burn more calories both during your time on the machine and after. Well that last part is a big stretch, I can’t say it’s totally untrue but really? increased metabolism after standing (that’s standing not performing any exercise positions) on a machine that moves you up and down, slightly see-saw style about 12 times a second? Maybe if you weigh over 400 pounds it might be a helpful start to movement.

I’ve tried it!  On one machine I got bored, on another that had faster and very random sideways movement as well and the see-saw up/down I got sea-sick.  To someone unaccustomed to exercise or vibration machines It can feel, well, like movement, so it is possible to get a good sensation and a belief that, yes, this machine is going to make you fit and strong. This is how so many people are happy enough to buy this type of machine.

It really can feel exciting. After all, it was one of these low energy pivotal machines that I first tried and decided it was, 1. dangerous (it was a bigger, faster, uncontrolled movement, pivotal machine), 2. soothing to painful shoulders when I knelt and put my hands on the platform so I pondered its value for massage and healing, 3. exciting enough to make me investigate more about other uses opf Vibration and other types of machines.  I thought it had “potential” but that, something was very wrong with the design of the machine I tried.

The rest is, as they say, history! I am now one of the most prolific advocates for high quality Vibration Training and Vibration Therapy.  I’ve seen what it can do and the proven benefits in my life and so many others.  I’ve written many published articles and debated with people worldwide on the topics of machine types, quality, benefits and more.

There’s no way I am going to stand aside and watch as unethical traders use whatever advertising words they choose and attach the benefits of high energy, high quality machines to the auction details for their plastic, low everything, machines.  I’ve said many times that some of these low force, pivotal machines can have benefits for some people; massage value to the legs, slightly increased circulation and very slightly increased metabolism in overweight, very unfit or unwell, or those who do no exercise at all.  The degree of benefit depends mostly on the machine but also on the needs of the user. 

There is no way a person can build muscle and get the physiche of the people shown on infomercials or in pictures attached to these machines just by standing on one, ten minutes a day, or even by following the supplied exercise chart.  Heck, I couldn’t even get into some of the yoga style poses that are shown on some of the exercise charts but I’ll grant that performing the poses on or off the cheap, low energy pivotal machine might increase one’s flexibility (and you don’t need the machine for that).

I’ll continue to warn about the rip-off’s of the Vibration Training Industry and equally importantly, I’ll continue to promote the use and benefits of good quality machines, of varying brands and types. Banning me from questioning an auction’s details gives me greater reason to suspect the seller of being knowingly dishonest and unethical and I’ll yell loudly against that every time.

Note: This blog post is my personal opinion. All buyers of Vibration Machines by auction, in stores, from or as-seen-on-tv sellers are advised to seek advice, use Google, and make their own educated decisions.

It explains how Real Vibration Training works in a very simple to understand way. Covers the contruction of the platforms and how to create a true eccentric contraction.

It is presented by Lloyd Shaw, the developer of the first proper Vibration Training platform.

Watch it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPUQji9RPsA

It goes on to say “Just 10 minutes on the SFT can equal up to 1 hour of exercise… Reduces unwanted fat on the hips, waist and abdomen… Improves muscle tone and flexibility” and more

Other sellers suggest that their machine is equal to the ones in Vibration Studios and they quote academic study results from larger, higher force machines, often ones that have a completely different mode of action; studies from lineal (upright vibration) machines are frequently attached to low cost, low energy pivotal (see-saw action) machines.

Specifications are very often incorrectly stated, copied from the manufacturer’s papers which are in poorly translated English and confusing, but that, in my opinion, is no excuse for stating obviously incorrect figures.  Online retailers frequently state that a small, home model pivotal Vibration Therapy machine runs at 50Hz, that it vibrates 50 times a second or that it has 50 speed levels. This is blatently incorrect and if they thought about it for even a minute they would realise that the 50Hz relates to the power supply to the machine which in New Zealand is at 50Hz.  Some  even state alongside the 50 speed levels that it vibrates at 5-20Hz or similar.  I’m left wondering how they can state two conflicting figures alongside each other.

Then there’s one online New Zealand retailer that adds a disclaimer to his TradeMe auctions: IMPORTANT – we do not accept returns if you have simply changed your mind on this item or the item does not meet your expectation of what you orginally thought.

Retail Stores, such as fitness equipment stores, often advertise using the same incorrect specs and wording.  I’ve gone to stores and asked questions about machines and got responses telling me how amazing the (very low force and quality) machines are and how I will get fit, lose weight, gain muscle and become almost super-human in no time at all if I buy this machine.

I’ve written previously about T.V. advertorials – the same misinformation  is presented, along with testimonials; sometimes from people we recognise and thought we could trust.

It’s very much a matter of: Buyer Beware!

There’s a question/comment field and at times I use this to educate and correct sellers on the specifications and uses of the machine they are trying to sell as there’s so much misinformation. 

Cheap, low energy pivotal (teeter-totter/see-saw) machines are frequently listed as “amazing workout, builds muscle, lose weight. The same machines as in studios, just smaller”.  This is, of course, not true and those machines are Vibration Therapy machines useful for helping increase blood circulation and helping free up movement, depending on the actual machine – some are only useful to use the arms as a clothes hanger, not really much use at all.

Then there are mini lineal/upright Vibration Machines.  These can be quite useful especially for warm up and cool down before sports or going for a walk.  They can even be a good start into exercise and fitness, again it depends on the actual quality and type of machine.  You can’t generally trust the brand name of the machine as these change each week; huge runs of machines come off the production line in China and the same machines get stamped with many different names.

I have little sympathy for people who get duped and buy a home Vibration Machine for a few hundred dollars believing it will be just as good as the heavy, steel platformed, high energy lineal/upright Vibration Machines that are in Vibra-Train Studios.

Even the medium energy PowerPlate machines and FitVibe, Fit-X , and some BodyGreem machines that are found in studios, gyms, and beauty clinics are absolutely superior to the low price home models that are available on auction sites.

There are some workout quality home machines available – they cost more along with other differences and it’s essential that people do some “homework” and learn about the varying types of machines before they buy a home machine, carefully matching their needs and what results they want with the machine they choose to buy.

Expecting a $300 machine from TradeMe that is advertised with the same wording of advantages and results that accompany $20,000 Studio machines, to truely deliver those same results is a little crazy in my opinion.

One point that is made in almost all of the re-sale machines for online auction is that the seller hasn’t used the machine at all or used it only a handful of times.  Why, if it gives great results, don’t they use it? They even tell you sometimes – “I don’t have time to use it”.  This, I find laughable.  Programs for Home Vibration machines take 10 minutes or even up to 30 minutes three times a week.  For the pivotal (think Crazyfit brand or the currently advertised Gymform Vibromax) machines they tell you to stand on the machine for just 10 minutes every day.

(A little info here: make sure you are using the right program and frequency for the machine type you buy for home use)

So, the sellers of machines can’t find 10 minutes three times a week or, for pivotal machines, 10 minutes each day to use their machines so they are trying to sell them to you, telling you of all the supposed, amazing benefits you will get?

I’m going to suggest they are either

• Very lazy, too lazy to exercise at all?
• Involved with other exercise or sport and know that their low quality machine isn’t going to benefit them.
• Have used the machine about ten times and realise they were lied to, that it isn’t going to give the results they want and so they are trying to sell it on to you, complete with those same lies.
• They’ve started going to a Vibration Studio or they are using a machine at their gym and they know their cheap (well they might have paid quite a lot actually) unit is not so good as they thought when they bought it.

There are, of course, genuine sales; people moving overseas or long distance, those who really did use their machines and now have some other activity involvement, those who cannot contine for true medical reasons or pregnancy.  I hope those sellers honestly state the specifications, uses and benefits of the machine they are selling, sadly many exagerate.

Teneka recently took part in an video advertorial that’s showing quite often on morning television.  She states how much Vibration Training has done for her and credits it to the advertorial machine  – the Gymform Vibromax (a lowspeed pivotal machine, much like the VibraSlim, see: www.vibration-training-advice.com/machine-reviews).

We all know that advertisements contain hyperbole and infomercials are rarely to be believed but I’ve been told that this advertorial looks credible; being promoted by an obviously fit, slim, competition winning, personal trainer. In fact the whole advert is deceptive and it’s format lacks any integrity.  It is aimed at people who need to lose weight and gain fitness and says this is possible by simply standing upright on the machine while watching television.

That is not true; It isn’t going to happen and it’s important to set the record straight.

Read my full article here:  www.vibration-training-advice.com/you-just-can-t-trust-anyone

This identification with other brands has come to an end.

I’ve had to rethink my hopes for a vibration training industry of various brands involving like minded people whose first aim is to benefit the consumer and secondly, to make a reasonable return on their investment of money and their time. I’m an employee of Vibra-Train and as much as I love my present job I’ve dreamed of owning my own studio or managing one if I couldn’t finance my own. It was always unlikely that I would move away from the Vibra-Train brand but I’d remained open-minded to that possibility as long as the studio had good quality machines and followed the Vibra-Train Safety Program.   My boss, Lloyd Shaw had encouraged me at times to look at other businesses and assured me of help in being sucessful. This was before I began full employment with Vibra-Train but even since he’s talked of sending me to other branded studios to help them and teach them the Vibra-Train Safety Program so that consumers would get good results.

I’d believed that competition of brands within the industry was healthy and in some cases, for example, High Energy Lineal and Premium Speed Pivotal, that the way the machines work is completely different and so draws a different set of users. Now I’m feeling so disappointed at the other brands within the Vibration Training Industry that I’m forced to change my mind about supporting others.

This industry has been let down by almost all brand owners, by their unscrupulous behaviour; their greed and self-serving attitudes; the lack of support of the studios with their brand of machines, such as constant breakdowns of machines that should never have been supplied with inherent faults in design; same with home machines, so many break down or don’t perform as they should and this alone gives the industry a bad name.  Brand Loyalty (and snobbery)  has been such that people wont even admit when they have a problem and ask others for help.

Over the past two years I’ve seen a decline in the “as-seen-on-tv ” cheap and basically useless machines and was encouraged to see the owners of some of  the “better” brands and studio owners start to engage more in social media and in education of the consumer via internet websites and forums.  Those within the industry know that our previous consumer website and forum system had serious problems from within the industry and a new one www-vibration-training-advice was set up.  I hoped for lots of different brands involvement but there’s been very little.

The decisive factor in my pulling away from other brands is a feeling of such disappointment.  The ” final straw”, to use a local idiom, was discovering that the HyperVibe brand was engaging the services of Internet Search Engine Optimization developers, working out of India, writing articles in poor English, some almost unintelligable, for one reason alone – to push that company, HyperVibe’s, Google ranking up to Page 1.  I know a lot about SEO as I have my own website and I do all I can to ethically increase the ranking of others that I am involved with.  I’ve also worked for a large U.S. online directory and still maintain some pages for them.  At times I’ve “cleaned up” articles that were ambiguous due to poor language skills.

The problem with engaging SEO developers that have poor English language skills and zero interest in your industry is that the resulting articles that pop up all over the internet can have very poor quality content.  In this case they have been written by one person using three (at least) different names on the same articles.  It’s clever and it does work to push the linked company, in this case, HyperVibe, up the Search Engine rankings but at what cost?  When I emailed Murray Seaton, the Australian owner/director of HyperVibe, his reply was, “Many of our distributors (ourselves included) use the services of Indian SEO developers”. He said that he was doing all he could to ensure his company ranked highly on the internet so people could read “decent” information rather than that put out by the cheap, low quality home vibration machine suppliers.  With that I agree but he also added, “It’s also my opinion the articles are both harmless and useless to anyone who reads them, its unlikely anyone would be influenced by them (if somehow they manage to find them). They serve no purpose but to help our rankings”.

I have a high personal integrity that, if I had a brand, would not let me promote articles that are “harmless and useless”.  Actually I consider them quite harmful!  It really doesn’t take much more than a simple search using the words “Vibration Training” to find them and they present Vibration Training in a confusing, garbled manner. The articles do not differentiate machine types and present snippets of “facts and figures” taken from other places around the internet that don’t necessarily relate to the actual article or brand of machine they link to.  HyperVibe was a vibration system that I saw as valid, just very different to the Vibra-Train machines I work with.  It’s an excersise system using pivotal vibration, or vibration therapy.  I may have even suggested it to some people but no more.

The future of this industry is Vibra-Train.  Vibration Training is Vibra-Train and Vibra-Train is Vibration Training.

Once again I’m happy to say that I am privileged to work for this company, Vibra-Train -  The Vibration Training Specialists.

I apologise to any readers who have had their mail returned. You can write a feedback under any article or contact me directly. Your questions are welcome

or copy the email address from the image below

A New Video – Social Media case study on Vibra-Train.

Lloyd Shaw shares how he used social media and customer engagement to successfully launch his product and business.

Watch it here: vibra-train-tv-2/ or directly on YouTube: Social Media Case Study – Vibra-Train

Resonance Vibration Training Studio in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, U.K.

has New Zealand designed and manufactured Vibra-Train machines.  Click here to read an article in the local Bedford Today News and watch the video.

“we are Power Plate trainers, PRs, marketers, directors, customer service, sales assistants, educators and are here to answer questions and help people understand more about the Power Plate machine…. Our Power Plate trainers are busy instructing clients and advising programmes for them, however any specific training related questions are forwarded over to them.”

While this gives a little credibility to the twitter posts it’s a cop-out.  They are paid marketers using social media to promote a product.  Their posts are mostly statements about which model or movie star is using a PowerPlate and there’s a lot of “retweeting” of others posts, saying they’re planning or have done their workout.  There’s also some links to exercises videos.

I’ve yet to see any real questions asked and answered!  They are P.R. marketing people above all else. It was easy for me to find the P.R company they work for.  P.R. people are not “on the floor” trainers even if they’ve done a basic instructor course; what’s more the level 1 course is all about marketing.  Questions can be forwarded to trainers I don’t doubt that but then to have to wait for a reply, all via the marketing company; seems to me to be a very inefficient way to deal with queries.  I can answer your queries immediately in the studio or by phone or email.

I’m not against advertising or promotion; heck, I’m promoting Vibration Training every day with this website and in many conversations both in person and online but I’ll never be seen pushing the gossip that “..insert movie star or model name here..” uses the brand of machines that I work with.  They do!  I could list a “who’s who” of celebrities, models, media people and more but who cares? Vibration Training (on real, medium- high force machines) is for everyone; the stay at home mom, the elderly priest, the airline staff (we get a lot of these), the obese for whom it’s a lifesaver, the top personal trainers and sales staff from local gyms, athletes, students, those with disabilities and just about everyone else.

I can’t promise you’ll end up looking like a model or movie star if you train with me but I can promise that I’ll push you hard and encourage you (there’s nothing politically correct about our way of encouraging though – you may get a smile and kind words but you just might get told how much you “suck” and get shocked and shamed into doing better).

You, the reader, really can do the Safety Program, no excuses accepted.  If the 84 year old priest and the 200kg mom can do full 60 second positions on a high force machine then you can!   You’ll have a fully supervised session in a fun environment and get great results.

Call into any Vibra-Train Studio in New Zealand, Australia, and Ampthill, Bedfordshire, U.K. or read more of my blogs for more information.  There’s a contact link in the Welcome tab at the top of the page.

Recommended Vibration Training Information Websites:

www.vibra-train.com

www.vibration-training-advice.com