The VibroGym
Dan Fivey from VibroGym points to new studies:
I have some new studies that may interest you: these where done on the VibroGym when it was called the Powerplate (please note the Powerplate is now a completely different machine). The studies are on an ACL injury repair and Fibromyalgia. The Powerplate now has have the G-force of the VibroGym, so half the results are achieved.
These studies show that Vibration Therapy/Training is valid way of exercising and has many benefits.
Some more studies are available on http://www.vibrogym.com.au/vibrogym-research.htm
The research on this page also shows that the VibroGym is gaining credibility and is very superior to its many copies and imitations. I am keen to read about your thoughts about these studies. [...]
Written by Lloyd Shaw on August 18th, 2006
21 Comments
- HH
September 19th, 2006I have just recently had a free trial on a vibrogym. I am very impressed particulally with the amazing flexibility increase in my hips and the wonderful warm and relaxed feeling which lasted for some hours afterwards. I would love to buy one but they are very expensive. I am also confused about which model I should buy as the Power Plate seems to be the one, I am told, that ALL the celebrities and football clubs are buying.
I understand that the two companies were one to begin with but have gone their separate ways. So therefore they are basically the same machine only the vibrogym is £2,000 cheaper and made in Holland.
Which one do you recommend, honesty appreciated.
- Lloyd Shaw
September 19th, 2006The Older Power-Plate ( Vibro-Gym ) is the machine used and endorsed by celebs and sports teams. Not the new Power-Plate model. I have NEVER seen or heard of a team or individual going for a plastic model over the metal version.
Once you try a Vibro-Gym or Hypergravity type model, you cant go backwards to anything “cheaper”.
- Kris
September 20th, 2006Lloyd,
Just a general question. The Hypergravity class we are speaking of here - are there 2 versions; heavier version for gym vs a smaller one for home? Or are you speaking of same for both?
Also, I’ve found that exercise machines are made for average heights. Our family members are all 6′ or taller. Often the hand grip heights are lower and call for bending of the shoulders/back. Do any come with adjustable handlebars?
Also, is the platform itself of a size for good support for taller persons? And since we haven’t mentioned price - what is the price range for the Hypergravity?
- Lloyd Shaw
September 20th, 2006There are two versions of the Hypergravity. Pro and home. Both are good , and the funny thing is , their home version is of better quality and power than most other Pro-versions.
Now the height issue, no the handlebars dont adjust , unless they add that feature. The reason is probably due to noises that may come from the moving part. Which vibrations tend to do.
Most pads are about the same size , but http://www.wavexercise.com has a larger pad available you may want to look at if you feel other versions are not big enough.
Sorry dont keep up to date with prices. Rather keep out of the sales side of things.
- HyperGravity
September 21st, 2006Lloyd:
I appreciate the vote of confidence. Coming from you it certainly means a lot, and it is encouraging to see other people in this industry really trying to distill and disseminate the truth in spite of all the hype that is swirling around. As you say in the southern half of the world, “good on ya mate”!
Kris:
A football coach in San Diego recently purchased one of our Personal units. He is about 6′4″ by my estimation, still looks like he could line up in the NFL, and height was not an issue for him. Even the tallest people who have purchased our units have never requested adjustable handles, so we have never felt a real need to add them.
Besides, the handles should be used for reference, not relied upon for balance. You should allow your muscles’ involuntary reflexes to compensate for any imbalances–that builds your neuromuscular connections to improve balance.
While our Personal machine is rated to 300 lbs and offers plenty of room for most people, we find that those who are very tall or weigh in the neighborhood of 250 and up are generally more pleased with our Pro model. (Although, let’s not forget the football coach in San Diego who is very happy with his Personal model)
As far as prices go, our Personal model is $3499 and our Pro is $7499–a relative bargain when compared to either the Wave or TurboSonic or the Power Plate (or any other brand, really). And as a final note, we don’t play car salesman games with our prices to try and make you feel like you got a better deal. We know people are smarter than that and we don’t want to insult your intelligence or waste your time. You’ll always know you got the rock bottom price for a Hypergravity machine because you are buying it straight from the factory with no middlemen.
Hope that helps! More info can be found on our updated Hypergravity website at http://www.wholebodyvibes.com.
Christopher
- Emmy
September 21st, 2006hi i am very insteted in the new machine vibrogym they say 15 minutes on the vibrogym, is like a 90 m gym workout can you please help me find a place that has one so i can try it out i live in the melbourne australia it would be a great help i live in the north of melbourne thanks emmy
- Kris
September 21st, 2006Lloyd,
Thank you for the info. What do you think about the WAVE? Is its construction also as reliable as the hypergravity? It’s a lot bigger (am assuming more expensive as well) and has some kind of aluminum floating platform top or something.
- Kris
December 4th, 2006I did check out the “wave” exercise and spoke with the rep. They are currently working on the personal model which will have the larger plate and apparently some other things not now available. It should be out in Dec. Because it has the floating top portion the vibration doesn’t walk or need outside cushioning. But the price is going to be higher (under $5000!!). Apparently also many people are looking for a larger plate to help with the stability for various movements. She mentioned though that everything in the exercise area is tending toward adding the vibration to it - so we will probably see exercise machines/vibration combos.
She told me to check into the “versaclimber” for this! And she happened to mention Lloyd as someone who has been very good for expertise on the comparisons of various machines. Thanks all for your inputs.
- Kris
December 4th, 2006P.S. Checked out the Versaclimber - from the website:
Whole Body Vibration
“It is important to understand that when standing on a vibrating platform, the major vibration effect is at the feet. The effect diminishes as the vibration waves move upward through the body. In contrast, the ExerVibe VersaClimber combines the known advantages of vibrating platforms with the additional capability to target either the total body or specific body parts during both static and dynamic exercises. It applies vibration stimulation to the user through foot pedals, handgrips, handrails and a seat with selectable on and off vibration cycle time.”The climber is 7′10″!
They have a versastepper too which works up to about the waist. Wondering, Lloyd, if you know of any other whole body vibrating exercise equipment that’s out there yet. It’s something like 5′6″ height if I remember.
- Lloyd Shaw
December 4th, 2006Yes have read full tests done by military on proto-type unit. The results where promising , if not incomplete due to the limited knowledge of what effect it should be causing, missed by its testers.
N.A.S.A.s TVIS works on a similar principle.I hope to see much more of this type or cross-training in the future. It is proof that someone out there has their thinking cap on. All good.
- Taff
December 9th, 2006Hi Lloyd,
One question on the Vibrogym Professional unit if I may. I purchased mine in the UK from the Fitness Lounge and have had it for about a year with no problems.
It’s sittig in a room on the ground floor of our house that is carpeted. A local Personal trainer thought that the carpet my possibly be reducing the vibration effects. I’m not oonvinced myself as this is a fairly weighty machine and it’s not exaclty a “shag pile” thick carpet.
What would your thoughts be?
Thanks
Taff
The carpet will not be making a marked difference on your training. Maybe from a pedantic engineering point of view it would , but practically , no its fine.
- KG
January 9th, 2008To Lloyd and all others-
A dear friend had an unfortunate accident where he suffered acute acl loss/tear and pcl tear.
I was wondering if WBV could help in the post reconstructive surgery physical therapy/rehab.
I always heard that the rehab is very important in coming back from such knee mishaps(for quadricep re-development etc)…
But my concern is this…What if there are screws or other things involved in the stapling of the graft? Will they rattle out? I have heard that WBV might not be the thing to do for kne replacements, but I believe they are very different…
Any input will be appreciated, our population here in the states is just hitting retirement time for the Baby Boomers, many of them have some hardware in them or will…and it would be good to knowledge to have so everyone stays safe.
Thanks,
KG
There is no set rule with things like that and I would recommend a case by case approch.
A physio should oversee the training is possable.
Light vibrations should not have any negative effect on scews etc.. as long as scar tissue has had time to form around them.
Note; The person should not be allowed to put their entire body weight onto the joint on a vibration platform.
- Brenda Rose
June 22nd, 2008I have fibromyalgia and am in a lot of pain. I just wanted to know if it would be safe for me to use the Vibrogym.
Many thanks
Brenda
Yes all safe , and should be effective in reducing the pain.
- Dan O'Leary
December 22nd, 2008Have you tried out or heard much about a WBV machine by Lifespan? Any comments?
It is a Therapy /very light Training unit. Not a serious training unit in any way ,as long as you are not looking for profound results, you wont be disappointed.
Any reason why you put this question under the Vibro-Gym section rather than say…..
http://www.vibrationtraining.net/2007/05/choosing-a-vibration-machine-for-home
Have you read any of the articles that help you choose a good home unit ?
August 19th, 2006
Please be aware that the saleman above ( Mr. Dan Fivey ) has been banned fron all Vibra-Train and Fitness Lounges studios globally for unethical business/marketing tactics.
I myself was responsable for bringing the Vibro-Gyms into N.Z. and Australia first ( about 50 ). But decided to stop in favour of a new up-grade.
It does have alot if good research attached ( most of it European or repeats from England ) , but was also very limited in its Kg rating and warranties.
Good for quite studio or Gym.