Is Whole Body Vibration Good For Joints?
There is considerable debate is to whether whole body vibration helps or harms joints.
Hypergravity had this to say in response to criticisms concerning joint pain from use of vibration machines:
Whole Body Vibration is GREAT for joints!
Unfortunately there are people out there who misuse machines and then want to blame the machine. This is why gyms around the world have members sign liability releases. People are often misinformed.
If you really studied this issue–and I have, personally training hundreds of people–you would come to see that it is a matter of proper form. The squat is the most commonly botched exercise, and can carry some serious consequences. When performed poorly it can be just as detrimental in conventional training as with vibration training.
Additionally, the phrase “perform dynamically” is not intended to serve as legal mumbo jumbo. It is simply there to differentiate from the static poses we also recommend.
25 Comments
- Ronny
September 15th, 2006ok LLoyd, let me see if I understand your post.
Essentially you are saying that doing dynamic exercises while on the platform (squat moving up and down as as you would do normally without a vibration plate) is NOT necessary on a higher powered all steel plate such as the one you manufacture.Is it your opinion that the notion of dynamic exercises on a vibration platform came about due to the lesser intensity of some of the plastic hulled designs(the point being to truly get a good workout you’d practically have to do exercise dynamically)that you’ve spoken of prior?
And finally….I’m not so sure. So I’d like your comment on the following….
IF YOU ONLY DO STATIC POSITIONS even on the high powered commercial machines you mfg., would you not get stronger(agreed) however explosive power such as with sprinters would be relatively unaffected?That is after all one of the Vibration Exercise Industry’s claims that where the rubber really meets the road with their devices is with “explosive power/speed” training of muscles.
I’ve got a really hard time believing doing just static poses on these machines will affect positively sprinters results..but I’m open to hearing your comments as you do seem very well versed.
- KG
September 15th, 2006Ronny your hunch IMHO is correct…explosive improvement i.e. fast twitch muscle enhancement is dead and buried on a vibration platform MINUS dynamic movement.
That’s why Power Plate, you know the name that started this whole discourse, the name that pro sports teams and their trainers use etc….reccommends it. I’ll answer you as I’ve noticed Lloyd likes to responds to questions by answering his own. Point by point..the ones you bring up, he will sidestep. Just my take.
Best,
KG - Lloyd Shaw
September 16th, 2006Yes you are correct , my statement is you DO NOT need to move dynamically on the plates to get a positive response.
Dynamic mevement can be allowed but for SAFETY reasons this should not be general public practice.The “positive response ” you are looking for though must be clarified before you start training. What are you looking for , just speed and power , combined with injury prevention ?
If so you want to get on a machine designed for that purpose. Getting on a begginers weight lose machine such as the Power-Plate Next Generation or any other light unit will not achieve those results. And it is not fair to ask it to.
This is where your ” as they claim it does ” remark comes into play. Even Power-Plate uses the old tests done on the metal units ( Vibro-Gym , all tests done pre 2004 ) to show performance benifits. Of course ” forgetting ” to mention they dont have the rights to that unit any longer.
But what do you expect from marketers ? (If you need an example , just check out KGs response above.)And the testing to date has only touched on the potential . And has been done on very basic units. So any claims should be taken with that knowledge in mind.
Always remember there is no such thing as ‘ Vibration Training ” it is a generic term used to describe a bio-mechanical function. Just like “running” . Running what fast ? slow ? In my experience so far, only those companies with poor performing equipment never bring this up.
There are 3 main reasons why people use Vibration Therapy/Training.
Rehab ( small % )
Body Composition change ( large % )
Sports performance.( small % )So yes the sports performance programs do have FULL dynamic movements involved. But only make up part of the program. But you are only dealing with a small % of the population using these machines. It should not just be added to make up for the lack of quality in a machine. Its just not worth the risk.
- Mike
January 10th, 2007YES, you can read research reports on it here also:
http://www.myvibraslim.com/vibration_weightloss_media.htm
Mike
That unit is available over here on Trade-Me. For about $600. ( $400 US ) Built in Asia . And has not been good for our indusrty here in N.Z.
And shame on you Mike for coming onto here to pose as a satisfied customer to gain sales. The same tactic was used over here.
That behaiviour is not welcome.
- jf
January 11th, 2007Unbelievable! Good spotting Lloyd. There must be some fat markups going on in some places.
- Nick Morris
January 11th, 2007Hi Lloyd, many thanks for the Policing. Absolutely essential to stop the cannibilisation by some of the wonderful industry we are building.
1. I have seen the same unit, also monikered by the manufacturer as “Crazy Horse” and available for wholesale @ US$150.
2. There are other companies out there, selling this unit with a fresh brand name on it aswell.
3. Beware - we will hunt them out aswell.
Onwards and forwards.
N. - KG
January 11th, 2007Nick,
I’m confused. In the quote below you thanked Mike for his “enthusiam” aka hucksterism.#
Nick Morris
January 10th, 2007Mike, Thanks for your very strong endorsement of the VibraSlim unit. Your enthusiasm is very strong. What are your goals?
Please explain to readers how the VibraSlim works. What technology does it use?I’m also usure as to why the Taiwanese group that you are partnered with link that I psted has been removed???
My concern comes from personal expeirience. I’ve logged a lot of hours on the Power-Plate Next Generation unit only to find that due to cost-cutting matierials they used and producing the unit in Taiwan/Mainland China it does not provide the power they purport it does and use the original steel design of the PowerPlate for their testing.
I was made aware of this not only by this website but I also had several chances to work out on the Hypergravity unit which was bulit and vibrated like a Panzer tank where I could only describe the feeling of the PP Next Generation as a Toyota or Hyundai in comparison.
My time just like everyone elses is valuable. I feel like I got robbed of it for working out on an Asian sourced not all steel unit and want anyone looking to get involved with WBV to not get suckered by Asian based manufacturers that make vibration platforms and throw any marketers nameplate on it.
You get what you pay for folks and my 2 cents is that if you go with a unit not made entirely of good quality steel, you’re wasting your time.
I would also be curious if people know of other all steel units out there. The Hypergravity is great but maybe there are others as well….
Yours in WBV
KG
- Nick Morris
January 11th, 2007Hi KG,
1. My remark was tongue in cheek, as, has been pointed out, he made a comment on every single listing. (hence, the strong “enthusiasm” quip.
2. The units I am partnered in are all-steel. I welcome the opportunity to have any direct comparison with any unit that exists in the marketplace, to prove that the technology I am partnered in is superior.
3. We have sourced a manufacturing plant in Taiwan, with our long-term goal to be able to eventually produce a cost-effective solution for mass marketing. (we have massive plans into the future, and this is a strategic decision that will allow for quality product to be available at price points that will allow strong take-up by customers. And hence ensure larger volumes of population can have access to and enjoy the benefit of quality WBV activity.)
Highly cognisant to this long-term vision is the immediate demand that every product produced is of only the very highest quality. I am 100% confident of this fact (and hence am always very open and willing for any direct comparison to any unit that exists)
a.) The vision for more mass production is a while away, but very real, and as I’m sure you are aware, correct preparation leads to correct results.
b.) In the meantime, we are producing the best quality WBV unit, and undertaking a “grass-roots” style strategy to build the marketplace through very strong education and communication, plus to also position the brand as the best that exists.
c.) Again I reiterate my welcome desire to do any direct comparison with any current units that exist.
d.) To further this, there is research studies taking place that will involve direct comparisons of the technology I am partnered in against other technology.4. The posting (you reference) has been removed, as all distribution networks/channels we have been investigating are now fulfilled. (hence no need to attract interest for opportunities that don’t exist.)
a.) This happened a while back, but the posting was paid for in advance, and thus was still in view for a period of time that was in fact redundant.5. I applaud your desire to help safeguard the community against poor quality product and mis-guided business, and welcome the opportunity to demonstrate my technology to you. Where are you based? How can we arrange for you to experience various testing and demonstration.
I look forward to meeting
Best Regards
Nick - KG
January 11th, 2007Thanks for clearing that up Nick.
It’s easy to miss a tounge and cheek remark in text unless it’s denoted as such(:
I do not understand though why link showing your units was erased from this website. It is a way for everyone to view your products.
Is there an alternative website people can see your machines? Or do they need to travel to one of your studios(which seems a tad challenging unless they are in the immediate area)?
The link I provided showcasing your units is still very active and viewable.
I will not repost it unless an explanation for why it was taken down is provided. I just don’t know why you would not want the exposure? Is it not yet ready for market?
Upon a more close look I did indeed see that it looked like your unit in the picture(with the shirtless guy in compression short-shorts standing on it with dumbells) was composed sturdily of all-steel-the machine, not the guy(:.
I’m in the US and as you know its awash with PowerPlate. I hope your offering will knock them off their perch. I’m just cautious with my enthusiasm regarding any new units out there…as we’ve seen from the writings of Mike with VibraSlim. Transparency is a must as the WBV consumers money is precious given the amounts required.
I hope you will offer the viewership here a way to easily view your offering if it is currently for sale.
Yours in WBV,
KG
- Nick Morris
January 11th, 2007Hi KG,
I’m not sure about any link posted on this site. The official website will be live in the very near future, and I look forward to posting that for everyone to view.I fully intend to knock PowerPlate off their perch, and look forward to being part of the “new WBV industry” which will have only a limited number of high quality companies involved and be regulated and overseen by a global association, driven to provide the best infomation, practice, product and service to consumers.
Hello Barbara,
After 3 years of your surgical treatment, I think your hip implant is already bonded in the bone. WBV should be safe for you. If you are still seeing your doctor or physiotherapist, consult them if you are suitable for resistance exercise. If the professional’s answer is positive, you can definitely do WBV.
In your particular condition, I would recommend lineal platform (vertical vibration) instead of pivotal (tilting).
Which country are you living in and why would you like to consider WBV?
TC
Hello Barbara,
You can fly over to Hong Kong to train in my studio, it’s just 3 hours flight so you can do round trip in one day and twice a week ….. HA…HA…. Of course I am joking!
As I am based in Hong Kong, I do not know which quality vertical vibration machines are available in Thailand. Due to my relationship with FITVIBE, I do know FITVIBE is available there. The Thai dealer is Dynaforce, tel. +66 (2) 656 7886 / email: info-th@dynaforceintl.com. Dynaforce has a fitness studio in Bangkok. I will suggest you to go there for several WBV training session under supervision and then you can decide to buy one home or do the training in a studio.
In case you need any assistance in communication with Dynaforce, let me know. I do not know Dynaforce very well, but at least we know each other who we are.
Enjoy your vibe!
TC
- Hazel
November 20th, 2008Hi, I’m a South African interested in purchasing a vibration machine. I’ve seen two products, one being the Maxxus 800(?) which sells for around R8000 and another for around R4000 from a company called Wellness Direct. How do I know which one to go for as it’s a big difference in money?? The marketers for the Maxxus claim to be the “approved” machine by Health magazine in the USA.
Your advice would be apprecited. The Maxxus unit is the better of the 2 . Still very pricy for what it is though .
Note: It did get good reviews in a U.S. mag , but that means nothing when the person doing the review have no experience or knowledge in Vibration Training.
- Maureen
December 9th, 2008Hi, I am in South Africa and would like to purchase a vibrating training machine, is the Crazyfit any good?
Thanks
Hi Maureen,
It is what it is, a plastic massager made in China:)
Don’t expect great results, these guys are better at marketing than making a quality machine.- Maureen
December 9th, 2008Hi Mike,
Thanks for your response, do you have a suggestion for me…I would like to purchase a good quality machine at the lowest price as most people would I am sure.Thanks so much for your help.
- Maureen
December 9th, 2008Hi Mike,
What are your comments on the “Extreme fitness Massager”?
Thanks Maureen
Maureen..
Have you read any of the articles on this site pertaining to that topic…
http://www.vibrationtraining.net/2007/10/warning-to-home-users-heres-how-you-are-getting-cheated
http://www.vibrationtraining.net/2007/05/choosing-a-vibration-machine-for-home
http://www.vibrationtraining.net/2008/01/understanding-quality-vs-price
Sorry , its like asking for a good quality car with all the safety features, for the cheapest price. I think you know that if it was cheap something is going to be wrong with , right ?
If you want a cheap machine , thats what you will get.
As for medium priced and quality units in S.A. , there are non available I know of.
Any reason you put this question in this topic..? I am going to shift it to one thats more on topic.
Hi Maureen
Have you read this page? It tells you what to look for.
http://www.vibrationtraining.net/2007/05/choosing-a-vibration-machine-for-homeYou’ve written that you want to buy a Vibration Training Machine. The “Extreme Fitness Massager” is labelled Massager, not Training. Some more info on what you want to achieve would help people guide you. Thanks
September 15th, 2006
Again Power-Plate are to blame for this problem. The higher energy plates only had static programs attached.
Dynamic movements where originally designed for Physio reasons ( 3mm ampl. and under ) , and joints would still never be locked or past the 90 degree mark.
When Power-Plate switched to plastic the machine was so under-performing dynamic movements where placed in the program to make up for the lack of energy produced .
Unfortunately other companies, even the ones with decent workout models, have followed their lead.
This situation is being cleaned up quickly.