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”

Does Vibration Training work for _ _ _ _ ? You, the reader, need to insert the missing word here.

I’m so passionate about Vibration Training and what I see on a daily basis as an Instructor that I’m inclined to say YES, YES, whatever missing word you insert, Vibration Training works  BUT, in reality, I’m not so naiive.  I’ve even heard a lady ask if doing Vibration Training will cure her body of cancer.  She seemed to think that the vibrations might re-set her body onto a healing path.  Alas, no, while her theory sounds good there are some things that Vibration Training cannot do or if it does we are not willing to take the risks involved to find out.  Vibration Training is not recommended for people with active cancer as it improves blood circulation throughout the whole body and while that carries nutrients it also possibly increases the risk of spread of disease.

Vibration Training is also not recommended for people with pacemakers.  This is in line with keeping away from electro-magnetic currents.  I know the machines I work with at Vibra-Train have sheilded motors, nevertheless this is an industry safeguard so we simply don’t these people to use the machines.  And we don’t allow women who are pregnant to use the machines, not that we have any evidence that it’s dangerous but we simply don’t know.

So, leaving aside these known contra-indications and all the short-term reasons not to train (like influenza, recent surgery, recent broken bones) I can confidently say, Vibration Training is great, it works!

But again, it works for what?

Firstly what do you want to achieve? Is it gentle stimulation of a previously injured body part?  Is it muscle strength and power?  Is it speed or endurance to help with your next sports event? Is it general fitness and feeling good?  Do you want to bulk up yet strip off fat?  Are you a busy mother wanting to simply lose a few pounds of weight and increase your sense of well being?

Your results are determined by various factors -  including the type and quality of the machines you use and the program of positions you use on the machines.  I recommend the Vibra-Train Safety Program for use with lineal (upright) machines in studios and at home.  It can be difficult to do some of the poses if you are using a small, low to the ground home model but as far as possible you can follow the program and I am happy to help with any questions.  An essential accessory for home (and studio) machines is a rubber mat to place onto the machine platform to protect hands, elbows, and sometimes even the feet from the rough or bubbly surface that machines have and to assist with grip and placement.  To choose the right machine type or brand and when deciding to buy a home machine or to use a specific vibration studio or possibly a machine in your local gym or health studio I advise people to get all the information they can get before committing your money.  Read the relevant articles on my website and others and ask lots of questions of salespeople, then check their answers against what you already know and as trite as it sounds, use common sense.  If the claims are beyond belief, they are most likely, untrue.

Then it’s up to you – Follow the safety program three times a week or maybe twice if you already have an intensive weights program that you use.  Eat sensibly without going into excesses of dieting or supplementation.  Your results will be exciting, make sure you track them by a diary entry or a short note in a notebook.

Yes, Vibration Training works – It works very well. Making it work is up to you, the reader, by choosing the right equipment for your needs, following an excellent whole body vibration training program, and being dedicated to your workout sessions.  You can even get away with pizza for dinner occaisionally.

Links: Vibra-Train Safety Program, Vibration-Training-Advice

Yes, you’ve read the title right.

Others have seen adverts on TV, on internet or in magazines.  Some come in commenting that they have bought “as seen on TV” fitness equipment before and it now sits in the spare room or a corner of the lounge unused except as an extra clothes hanger.  I assure them, we don’t sell home machines; we have very powerful commercial grade platforms in our studios where they will receive completely supervised training.

Sometimes people come in to try a studio machine before they consider buying a home model they’ve seen elsewhere.  I am able to give them a “no-sales talk ” free, trial session and also tell them of websites and people to talk to about their choice of home machine or continued studio sessions.

Where does “Lazy Women” come into this?

Some newcomers who have read about vibration training in magazines or on internet and specifically about PowerPlate brand have seen advertising which says, ” a revolution in health, anti-aging and beauty, a new way to receive health, strength and physical well-being, a wakeup call for your body and soul, 30 vibrations a second”  or “I lost 4 dress sizes in just 21 days”. It sounds so easy and many of these new customers are looking for a quick fix, no effort, easy answer to their lack of fitness or weight woes and they are genuinely shocked at how hard it is to hold perfect position on Vibra-Train machines for 60 seconds, not the wimpy 30 seconds on low force, plastic machines that some other companies offer.

There’s good reason for the program to be intense and hard work.

Vibra-Train machines are high force lineal platforms that cause a strong muscle response.  It must be this way to give the results that people want to see; toning, fitness, muscle build that supports the bones, fat-loss, and more.

We don’t have an option for people who want it easy!

So, why have I labelled this post ” Lazy Women” ?

A suprisingly high number of newcomers this Spring expect vibration training to be easy and simply dont continue coming when pushed to hold positions correctly.  Some complain that it’s too hard and continue expecting an easier option even after the physiology of  strength and muscle build is explained to them.  Maybe they were misled by false advertising of some other vibration companies but the biggest reason is pure laziness. Some women are mentally as well as physically weak and no amount of cajoling or presenting them with the truth that their lack of activity is going to seriously endanger their lives, makes a scrap of difference.  I can’t help these people.

In Vibration Training as in all fitness and sports – No Pain, No Gain – is the truth and it’s those who work hard that see great results.

Vibra-Train, Vibration Training Studios are in Auckland and throughout New Zealand.  Also in Perth and Townsville in Australia, and Bedfordshire, U.K.
Click here for studio locations.

I’ve covered the eating “rules” so now to a few other causes of headache, neck, shoulder, or head discomfort, and vertigo or dizziness while using a vibration machine or soon after.

Let’s look at the machine and the program being used.  There are many articles available about finding a studio that has quality machines or buying a home machine so I will assume that this has been considered and look at the program of positions used.

An excellent Safety Program for use with lineal (upright vibration) machines is available on the Vibra-Train website  with step by step instructions.  It’s freely available to be printed out.

Some studios, those using PowerPlate machines are one, get people to move about on the machines.  This is sometimes done to make up for a lack in the power or force of the machines or to simulate a sports action.  The program linked above has static (non-moving positions) only.  These are very effective when the program is carefully followed and also reduces another cause of headache or vertigo, which is moving about whilst the machine is turned on.  It is recommended that machines be set to 40Hz  (40 movements per second) and the Safety Program positions held for the recommended 60 seconds – see the pictures on the linked page.  It’s very helpful to have an experienced instructor but if one is not available or if using a machine at home ask a friend to read out the step-by-step instructions and watch over you ensuring you get into and remain in correct position.  The program is hard but achievable by anyone who is willing to make the effort to get good results.

Another cause of neck or head discomfort is straining the jaw or neck, as in saying, Aaarrgghh! when finding the positions hard to hold.  It’s essential to relax the neck and face muscles and singing (quietly of course) is one way to do this.  Relaxing into the  exercise positions becomes easier over time.  Head position is very important and again, it’s covered in the above instructions.

All exercise causes a rise in blood pressure and although vibration training places almost no strain on the heart many people experience very temporary and slight increases in blood pressure when their head is down (push-up or pelvic-stability positions) or when they find an exercise position difficult.  This is not dangerous in itself but a minute or two taken to recover before moving on to the next position is wise and this also  prevents headache after using the machines.  Sitting quietly or taking a walk around the room gives an effective break before moving on with the program.

Customers of vibration studios should not feel pressured to quickly complete their program.  If this happens have a talk to the instructor or studio owner and explain your needs.  If a long program of many positions is being used print out and insist on following the Safety Program instead.

Vibration Training and Therapy is very safe and effective with a little attention to detail. All the above “rules” are really common sense and are followed in every studio where the owner and instructors care about their customers training and results.

Her concern and main question was how to prevent getting headaches after using the machines.  Despite having an instructor take her through the program she found that very soon after the session she developed a headache or dizziness.  She wanted to continue training as she could see the value of it but her questions were not being answered at the studio and she felt a little rushed through the program.

I answered her question with a question; did she realise that she must eat before going to the PowerPlate studio?

Vibration Training is intensive, short period exercise.  As such it depletes the body’s blood sugars very quickly.  It’s unlike other exercise where the liver releases glycogen (sugar) into the bloodstream as needed.  There simply isn’t time for that process to occur.  So the starting point is to have eaten (a banana is a good choice) and you can eat as you walk in the door of the studio without feeling nauseous during the session.

The second “rule” is to ensure that adequate water is drunk during and after the session.  This rehydrates the body and helps eliminate toxins and waste.  Vibration Training helps with lymphatic drainage so drinking water is the end part of this process.

Thirdly, vibration exercise gives a “feel-good” feeling due to a rise in serotonin levels in the blood and into the brain.  This neurotransmitter helps reduce fatigue and pain, regulates the onset of sleep, reduces food cravings and generally calms and encourages well-being.  It’s important to remember to eat after your Vibration Training session and I advise protein foods to help with muscle growth.  I doubt anyone feels so ecstatic after their training session that they don’t eat all day but a reminder is needed as, I’ve already said, blood glucose levels will be depleted.

It’s part of the instructor’s job to make sure customers know and follow these “rules”.

The machines Debbie has are the HyperVibe platform. These are controlled premium speed pivotal machines. Debbie holds classes for muscle toning, weightloss, overall body workout and more. Her customers range from athletes to the elderly and she runs classes for up to 5 people or private sessions.

Murray Seaton, the General Manager of HyperVibe, had dared me to try out his machines as I’d previously written that Pivotal Vibration was suitable for Therapy and Light Training only. Murray told me that his machines were definitely work-out models and that he’d told Debbie to “go hard” and to give me a gruelling session.

I was still recovering from a shoulder injury and when I arrived at the studio, very tired after an early morning flight from Auckland, so I was just a little concerned. My previous experience of large pivotal machines was not at all positive as the machine had an uncontrolled rapid see-saw effect that made me feel dizzy.

I’m pleased to report that my experience was very good. HyperVibe machines run at a tested, controlled frequency of 6-28Hz and 11mm peak to peak amplitude. This means that the see-saw effect is so fast that the machine feels quite similar to pivotal/vertical vibration and, Murray, I agree, your machines definitely give a workout. I used the machine on approx 25Hz and hesitated in doing more than simple squats due to my injuries and tiredness. My friend did a more rigorous workout including single-leg squats and push-ups. Next day we both felt a little sore which was the only negative as we don’t get this from the Vibra-Train Studio vertical platforms we regularly use.  HyperVibe machines can also be purchased for home use.

Visit the HyperVibe Australia Website for more information:  www.hypervibe.com.au

or Debbie at Beach Body Vibe

]]> http://www.vibeplus.com/2009/05/13/hypervibe-premium-speed-pivotal-vibration-machines/feed/ 0 http://www.vibeplus.com/2009/05/04/tough-guys/ http://www.vibeplus.com/2009/05/04/tough-guys/#comments Mon, 04 May 2009 01:31:53 +0000 Di Heap http://www.vibeplus.co.nz/content/?p=388 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.

While the regular guy went through his program I instructed the “newbie” who had no idea what to expect from a vibrating machine and after the first 60 second basic squat was both laughing and moaning.  The feeling in his quads from the vibrations was intense.  Position 2, the push-up, he maintained excellent form with a full push-up and I was impressed.  We continued working through the Vibra-Train Safety Program and he quickly found form.  He said he was amazed at how powerful the machines were.  His friend came and watched for the final positions as the laughter and groaning, plus my stubborn refusal to allow his mate to fail, brought him from the back room.  Doing 2 x 60 second superman squats on Level 3 was the “killer” and showed how effective Vibration Training can be for top athletes.  No attitude problems from this newbie. He enjoyed it and will continue to vibra-train.

Just a few of the guys who come in have type “A” personalities combined with “attitude”.  One who comes in infrequently tries to rush in and rush out, jumping onto the machine not caring about correct position, and telling me to go away.  I don’t!  I stay, even turning off the machine if he just wont get it right.  His last session was amazing – totally win-win.  I gained his respect as I would not allow his attitude any longer.  He’s supposed to get a quality session, afterall he’s paying for it!   I was determined he would leave feeling he’d really worked out.  We have two models of Level 2 machine in the studio so I moved him to the one he had not used before.  The difference: he no longer had side handlebars to hold, to help support his weight.  He had to rely on his strength and use his attitude positively.  His pride was not going to allow him to fail!

The result:  he maintained excellent position and completed the 60 second superman squat so well that when offered the handlebar machine for his second 60 seconds he refused.  An incredible win-win situation.  Walking out the door he actually thanked me.

Vibra-Train is the world’s best for Lineal Vibration Machines.  When in contact with a lineal vibration machine the body gets pushed upwards and in response it  pushes back hard.  This involuntary and strong muscle response is favoured for a “workout” and results are quickly seen – improved fitness, health, and athletic ability.  Click on the website link for more information and if you can get to a Vibra-Train Studio go on in for free first visit.

(pic used with permission.
© www.vibra-train.com)

You can trust this guy!

The Vibration Training Industry needs to come clean.  There’s still so much misinformation, so many misleading claims for home machines.  There’s lies and more lies about brands of Studio machines, brand and geographical area rights, types and specs of machines, programs, and benefits – what the user will achieve.  So much of the “lower spec machine” marketing is simply to make “fast money”.

Lloyd Shaw is the founder of Vibra-Train and has set up the International Vibration Training Regulating Body (IVTRB).  You can trust him to tell you the truth in published articles and to give honest answers to your questions.

(above pic used with permission. Copyright to vibra-train.com)

Fridge

I needed a new Refrigerator. I spent hours reading advertisements in newspapers and magazines. I visited at least six stores looking at fridge types and asking lots of questions. I even remembered to measure the space the new fridge had to fit into. Once I’d decided on two or three possible fridges to buy I asked more questions specific to the fridge and the freezer sections as I’d decided a dual Fridge/Freezer suited my needs best. Now, one year later, I am very happy with my new fridge and it does all I needed it to do.

Why do people buy Vibration Machines without the same amount of care ??? I keep hearing, “I bought a XYZ brand Vibration Machine and now I’m not sure how to use it”; “Is CrazyXYZ a good machine?”; “Why does my ABCFitZ machine move on the floor when it’s turned on?”; “I’m using my XFitXYZ machine every day. Why do I feel so ill?”  and similar questions.

The answer to all of these is: Do your homework before you buy! If you plan to use a Studio don’t buy a one month plan on your first visit. Trial the Studio and ask questions!

(Pic  © www.dreamstime.com)