Posts Tagged ‘Safety Program’

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!

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.

Tough Guys

May 4th, 2009

A few friends have asked how I get on instructing fit,strong guys or even flabby beer-gut guys.  Another asked how I cope with guys who have an attitude problem, that is, they do everything super fast and badly and they certainly aren’t going to be told what to do by a female instructor.

One friend, who knows me well, said, “I bet that’s the ones she likes the most!”

That’s right. Guys with an attitude problem – bring it on!

I really enjoy working with them to create win-win vibration training sessions.  They win when they leave the studio happily exhausted after training hard-out on the machines, maintaining excellent form, correcting, and not losing it as the timer counts downs.  I win when I see them position perfect (as all must be) and I gain their respect when I insist on this and don’t allow them to rush through, neglecting form.

I had such fun one afternoon when a regular customer brought in a friend for a trial session.  Both guys are kickboxers and they had just completed a 10km run. » Read more: Tough Guys

My New Job – Update

April 24th, 2009

Having almost completed my third week as an Instructor at  Vibra-Train I’ve had time to settle into the job, meet the morning clients and do the initial training session of at least 20 newcomers.  It’s been a full-on initiation and I’m thankful to Carl, the previous instructor, for allowing me to work alongside him a  few weeks previously and for reminding me of nuances of the human body and how to recognise instantly when clients are out of position so that they can be corrected.

Correcting clients position on the machines is a major part of my job.  As I instruct new clients I stay with them throughout their session ensuring their positions are perfect so that the vibrations target the muscles correctly.  I get to insult or cajole them for poor effort reminding them that the name over the door is “Vibra-Train” not “Vibra-Massage”.  The Studio environment is sharp and charged with wit as clients also harangue each other, demanding correct position and encouraging each to complete the regular 60 to 120 seconds position times.

Other clients know the Safety Program well and work through their session without needing help but I’m always watching, alert to any variances they’ve made over time, any body part or limb angle out of position, and quick to correct them.  In fact we’ve had an all-out crackdown checking all clients positions.  The machine vibrations are set at 43hz with 3mm amplitude.  These machines give vertical vibration – the client being thrust upward and landing back on the platform 43 times a second so self correcting to remain in perfect position is all important.

During a few quiet periods I’ve done a full “Spring-Clean” of the studio and it’s looking great.  Also involved in the forums on vibration training so I’ve been very busy.

And the best thing is I Love It! More reports to come – watch this space.

What’s wrong with this pose?

February 9th, 2009
Girl on Vibration Machine

Girl on Vibration Machine

Type Vibration Training into Google to read articles about Machines, Training and Therapy, what a vibration training program looks like, weightloss, and more.  The site invites questions and discussion.

You’ll soon learn how to evaluate a machine for your specific needs and also a lot about vibration exercise programs.

So what’s wrong with the picture at right?  I don’t know the machine brand so I wont comment on that except to say that Straps are basically a waste of time.  You pull on the straps while the platform vibrates and that works out your arms – well that’s the reasoning but you wont be pulling the straps evenly so each arm will be getting a different force plus you will tire and lessen your pull so that’s even less force. My suggestion is to use the straps with the machine turned off.

How long will it be before manufacturers design machines with side handle bars and do away with straps?

» Read more: What’s wrong with this pose?

Buying a Vibration Machine to use at Home

January 17th, 2009

When buying a Vibration Machine for home use or using a one in a Vibration Training Studio it is essential to choose a machine that is designed to give you the specific benefits that you require.   There are many different brands of machines with differing qualities and specific purposes.  Use the Internet to find out information before buying so that you know what questions to ask then phone or visit Studios or Sales Showrooms and ask questions about the machines and the programs (instructions and positions that you use on that machine).

For home use

» Read more: Buying a Vibration Machine to use at Home