Poster Boy
Lloyd submitted this photo of himself standing on a vibration platform. The photo comes from a poster with the motto “We design the machine, you design the body”.
Lloyd claims that for the last 18 months the only workouts he has done are vibration workouts.
If a picture is worth 1,000 words then this self-portrait says a lot.
The following questions come to mind:
- If I wanted to achieve the same results could I simply go to a Vibration Studio and start “working out”. Which machines can I trust?
- How do I know if the personal trainer actually knows what they are doing?
- What was the regimen that Lloyd used to achieve these results (how many workouts per week, which movements or stances, duration of “sets”)?
Written by Site Administrator on January 23rd, 2007
165 Comments
Doing less means..
(a) Less time in contact with unit needed.
(b) Restricted poses ( no isolation )
- Anna
February 14th, 2008Lloyd,
How does one identify the ‘required force’ on a specification sheet ?
anna
Do you mean from another designer ?
- Anna
February 14th, 2008Hi Lloyd,
Yes from other manufacturers.
Hypergravity emailed and advised the ‘required force’ on their Gym-O-Vibe is : Liftforce is 500lbs = 2.225 Newtons. Can you please explain whether this is good, in terms of training. No other company uses the same rating as me. And I believe they wont for some time. A huge leap forward and not really needed at this stage.
Most just need to concentrate on other issues.
Yes , a 500lbs lift rate is good.
A point to understand…
If you listened to a formula 1 racing team , most of the terms they use would not make sense.
Only a few years ago , the advertised specs on a car were very basic. Things like how many people could it seat , how big was the motor and how good a warranty did it have, was all it took to keep the consumer happy.
Note: Asking about “drag coefficient” would make people think you like dressing up as a woman while driving your car around ( A note to Mike , only ok if you are actually a woman ).
Now these racing terms are relevent because the industry got past the first ” build them so they work and dont break” stage. And moved on to the finer aspects.
Warning …Some companies in this industry put style before function ( plastic and fancy ) , they or their machines will not last. The good companies will concentrate on stage 1 and concern themselves with making a machine that lasts and does it job.
- Mike Hair
February 15th, 2008But i have invested too much money in fishernet stockings and high heels to throw them away!
- Anna
February 17th, 2008Lloyd,
Vibrogym have emailed advising production of the new improved Evolution, commenced 15-2-08.
The major benefit, stronger motors and new dampers under the Evolution which do not change in composition, it’s a special silicon compound and not natural rubber, making the G level stable over time.
True 2D Vertical movement and G force amplitude/impact, measured not calculated.
Trying to decide between the Gym-O-Vibe and Vibrogym Evolution. What do you think ?anna
Choice….
I would make the call on “local support’ then .
Regarding the new isolators…
I never used rubber in my equations because it is so unstable.
- Anna
February 17th, 2008Hi Lloyd,
Sorry I don’t understand your response.
anna
If you believe the machines are comparable in quality and function , the decision should go down to things like warranty , someone to call or contact regarding questions about training you will have.
If you are going to be using the machine at home , a delay in things like information or warranty can be tolerated.
But if you are going to operate it commercially. That changes everything.
- Anna
February 17th, 2008Hi Lloyd,
That’s just it, I don’t know how comparable the 2 are, I was hoping you can advise me.
I am looking for the next best thing to Vibra-train, in terms of training, weight loss and strength.The machine will be used at home.
I don’t know the reputation of either, Vibrogym or Hypergravity, ie warranty or back up, only know what I have read on this site.
I would want to have each unit on the floor for some time before I could directly compare ,as specs never tell the whole story.
Note: Both machines are new and untested in real time . If you really cant decide based on the information you have , my only advice would be to wait and see what kind of reputation they manage to gain.
Understand you are tossing a coin no matter what you do. I can not make that decision for you.
Hello Anna,
What is your budget?
TC
- Iñaki
February 19th, 2008Hi Lloyd
Do I understand that you’re going to have both units on the floor and spend time with them studying & comparing them? THAT WOULD BE GREAT
Iñaki
:o) 
- Anna
February 19th, 2008Hi Timothy,
I don’t have a budget. I am prepared to pay for the best unit available, other than Vibra-train which are not sold to the public.
My dilema is finding the best machine, for training not therapy.
I don’t want a home unit, although it will be used at home.Anna
I would say I will get a chance to review the Vibro-Gym Evolution long before the new HyperGravity . I do not expect to see the HyperGravity unless a sale takes place here in N.Z.
As I have no demanding need to purchase units to expand my operation I will only ever tests machines for companies that ask and will only release consumer reviews if they agree to this under the “Loan” deal. If impressed enough I may add them to purchase options for my studio owners .
Another option is for me to pay to use a unit somewhere and write a review from that experience.
To date we have run…..
Vibro-Gyms , original PowerPlates , PowerPlate Next Generation ( trial only ) and Body-Shakers on the floor of Vibra-Train.
I plan to release all 25 Vibra-Train units over the next decade , but keeping an open minded policy on other units is good for everybody in the industry.
Hi Anna,
I do not have chance to try on HYPERPGRAVITY or VIBROGYM machines yet. I would like to share my review on GYM-O-VIBE and EVOLUTION by reading the technical data published by their manufacturers.
Control - GYM-O-VIBE looks like using analogue potentiometer for parameter adjustment. EVOLUTION uses digital control. Digital setting must be more accurate than analogue. Besides, analogue potentiometer will deteriorate in time and having bigger variation. Digital switches either work or fail. For this point, EVOLUTION wins.
Frequency - GYM-O-VIBE has 25~60 Hz and EVOLUATION 30~50 Hz. For strengthening applications, both are fine as exerciser seldomly uses over 50 Hz. However, a Vibration Training device can also serve massage / relaxation by applying frequency 30 or below. In that case, I like GYM-O-VIBE which can go down to 25 Hz.
Amplitude - GYM-O-VIBE allows 3 or 6mm, good for training but could be too aggressive for newcomers. EVOLUTION does not mention in their tech data sheet but I guess it has range within 5mm and that’s OK.
Timer - not a major factor.
Weight - GYM-O-VIBE with 118 kg. and EVOLUTION with 140 kg. are both good to me.
Loading capacity - GYM-O-VIBE holds up to 227 kg. and EVOLUTION holds up to 180 kg. EVOLUTION is about average and acceptable. I would say GYM-O-VIBE wins in this round.
Platform Dimensions - GYM-O-VIBE is 915 x 610mm; EVOLUTION does not mention the size of the platform but gives only overall dimensions. By comparing overall dimensions of both machines, I guess their platforms are quite same in size.
Surface of Platform - I believe GYM-O-VIBE has a rough sandy anti-slip liner. For EVOLUTION, I have seen only computer-graphic image of it so far, therefore I can’t tell what material VIBROGYM has lined on the surface of EVOLUTION’S platform. One tip from experience - although almost all vibration plates are lined with anti-slip liner. Some materials are still slippy when exerciser performs deep squat at high frequency and amplitude.
Warranty - GYM-O-VIBE offers 1-year and extendable to 10-year. No info from EVOLUTION.
As a conclusion, if I have to buy from catalogues between these two models, I tend to choose GYM-O-VIBE.
I am a little surprised that no one mentioned FITVIBE here. Personally, I think FITVIBE - EXCEL or EXCEL PRO are also good choices for you. Of course, I have to declare that I am dealer for FITVIBE but you will not be my customer as you are not located in Hong Kong and we do not re-export. I really think you should take a look at FITVIBE - EXCEL or EXCEL PRO too.
TC
- Nicola
February 20th, 2008Doh - sorry just added to the blog somewhere not realising I was actually on Lloyd’s site as I came to the blog via a search engine.
I am really really interested in vibration training as I have a number of back and circulatory problems that I think could be helped by vibration training, however I am struggling to find a specialist in the UK where Power Plate seems to be the plate of choice.
I live in Cheshire and as I have a baby I can’t travel far for this therapy. Can anyone help me either locate a specialist or recommend a good personal plate that I would gain real benefit from?
Before these problems arose I was reasonably fit - running 3-4 times a week (and no doubt injuring myself further all the time).
I have reynauds disease which is a circulation problem and I would be interested Lloyd if you know anything about this disorder as from what I have read about Vibration training - it could be very beneficial indeed.
I would be grateful Lloyd if you could point me in the direction of a specialist or a dealer you work with.
Funds are limited at the moment as I am not working currently, so am obviously looking for a cost effective option. I have even considered opening my own studio but I do not have the required fitness or medical background.
Do you run training courses Lloyd? If so I have a couple of friends who are personal trainers who might be interested in your courses - who knows that might mean we can open a centre over here!
Anyway - thanks in advance for your suggestions.
Best,
Nicola
For a decent unit with decent instruction , either contact VibroGym or Fitvibe , use google to locate U.K. head office.
No problem with Reynauds disease and it should help considerably.
I do not do courses , I send a trainer to each studio on opening for a month to educate the owners , no matter where in the world it is.
- Nicola
February 21st, 2008Thanks Lloyd - honestly have to say that so many people using this site have no manners when from everything I have read you are doing your best to answer their queries and for free! Thanks again this advice is so valuable to me.
- Iñaki
February 21st, 2008Lloyd
Then. could we expect a report from you, your opinion, etc. on the new Vibrogym Evolution?, if so, when for?
Thanks a lot
Iñaki:-):D
No promises or dates , but you know if I can do anything to help bring the consumer and manufacturor of good products together , I will.
Our industry is dead without companies like Vibro-Gym and HyperGravity out there moving forward into the commercial market.
- Anna
March 4th, 2008Hello Timothy Chan,
Firstly thank you very much for your thorough evaluation of the GYM-O-VIBE and Evolution.
I found out couple of things for you which were not mentioned in the technical data published, for the Evaluation. They are: -Surface of Platform-molded steel platform with rubber anti skid sticker, steel console.
The size of platform is lxwxh=980×580x220 mm
Warranty 2 years, on parts
Amplitude: High 2,2 mm and low 1,1 mm - Timothy, how does the amplitude compare to the Gym-O-Vibe. Which is a better machine, which will give better results.
thank you again,
Anna Hi Anna,
From my experience, rubber anti-skid liner can be still sliddy when performing deep squat at high frequency, high amplitude. The rougher sandy anti-skid material is better in my opinion.
In term of dimensions of platform, I prefer EVOLUTION because of its wider platform at 980mm.
For Amplitude, it is a difficult choice. GYM-O-VIBE with 3mm & 6mm seems too aggressive for beginners. EVOLUTION with 1.1mm and 2.2mm could be too mild at low setting especially for strength training.
Is it possible for you to try both machines before making purchase? It is the best way for you to decide.
TC
The funny thing about Vibro-Gym putting rubber on their machines…..
In 2005 I got rubber put on all the imported Vibro-Gyms going in to studios , I was told by Vibro-Gym it was a stupid idea.
I guess I am now no longer stupid.
- Di Heap
March 5th, 2008TC
In your review of the machines you have written:
- Timer - not a major factorThis would depend on what the User wants to achieve, yes? Some brands machines I have seen time, 30, 45, 60 seconds and nothing more. This makes a 2 minute supersquat position impossible and it’s a valid time/position for regular Users.
Also you recommend the GYM-O-VIBE for being able to access fq below 30hz. Please explain more as I understood lower fq on lineal platforms could be bad for the eyes and brain.
Is either machine actually available now? I wonder what guarantees are going to be offered, if any, that the machines will perform as stated and results will be measureable.. and if not, will the machines be returnable. That’s what I’d be finding out and getting clearly stated in writing if I was buying one.
Hello Di Heap,
In our practice, we seldomly give for more than 1-minute hold time for one “training” pose unless it is for relaxation. If a longer hold time is required, we can tell the exerciser in advance to hold the pose when the machine stops and then switch it back on right away. If there is a difference of effect between a continuous 2-minute hold and interrupted 2-minute hold with interruption of half a second, I believe the difference is minor.
For range of frequency in lineal platform, we use 25~30 Hz for relaxation/massage; 30~50 Hz for training. Concerning resonant frequency to head and eyes, I understand it is around 18 Hz.
TC
Hello Di Heap, and TC,
I agree that the lower ranges need to be used as a therapeutic setting only, we don’t recommend training in the lower ranges unless you are specifically targeting relaxation/ massage/ circulation, and only specific poses. Incorrect stances at certain frequencies can be very uncomfortable and make things “vibrate” that should not be.
I think the resonant frequencies will vary from machine to machine, stronger/ weaker motors, heavier plates will all factor into how your body reacts in these ranges, Lloyd would be the best to address this though.Our warranty remains the same for the Gym-O-Vibe as all the rest of our machines.
We have placed numerous machines throughout the world now, perhaps some of our clients would be willing to share some of their experiences with the new plate here for you.
- Di Heap
March 5th, 2008Hi Josh
I hope one of your machines finds it’s way to NZ soon. I’d be first in line to try it even though it does look like a machine for the guys.
Looked up the specs and see that it does time to 120 sec. I know that time may not matter to some people but for people who are looking for sports strength fitness it can be useful to go longer than one minute without a 6-10 second break as timer is re-set.
Please do encourage your clients to share their experience of your new machine
- Anna
March 9th, 2008Hi Timothy,
I am in no position to try the Evolution or the Gym-O-Vibe. The Gym-O-Vibe sounds like a stronger machine. Just for your own interest, the Gym-O-Vibe comes with a round platform, two sizes, 21′ or 36′.
Once again, thank you for your assistance.
anna - Anna
April 13th, 2008Hi Timothy,
I had a chance to try both, Vibrogym Evolution and Vibrogym Professional yesterday at a Beauty Expo in Melbourne. The Evolution is a very quiet and smooth machine, not sure whether it’s strong enough. I tried both the Professional and Evolution on high settings at 40hz, the Evolution was much smoother, Professional was harder, felt like a harder workhout.
The amps for both the Professional and Evolution are same, low = 2mm, high 4mm and same g force for both about 6.9 I think.I wonder whether yourself or anyone else has had a chance to try the Evolution and what are your thoughts ?
Can you please explain to me the difference in amps, for example the Hypergravity Gym-O-Vibe’s amps are low=3mm high=6mm with lift force of 500lbs.
Would the Gym-O-Vibe give quicker, better results than the Evolution, in terms of strengthening, weight loss ?
Has anyone had a chance to try the Hypergravity Gym-O-Vibe and what are your thoughts ?regards,
Anna I will be releasing a review shortly about these latest projects and designs including the pros and cons of these new upgraded products.
The amount of information that has been sent to me regarding these products from sales staff , trainers etc… and the honesty involved in the comments leads me to believe that those with experience are starting to judge these companies more harshly , with most understanding what is really at stake.
The future of our industry.
- Anna
April 13th, 2008Hi Lloyd,
I look forward to reading your comments.
regards,
Anna Hello Anna,
Thank you for your test report on VIBROGYM PROFESSIONAL and EVOLUTION.
I do not know if Vibrogym has done any technical change when they build this new model - EVOLUTION.
Assuming the two models are built with the same motors and they work at same technical parameters, the reason I can figure out to explain the difference (EVOLUTION is smoother than PROFESSIONAL) is the difference sizes of their platforms. According to Vibrogym’s published technical data, PROFESSIONAL occupies a floor space of 800 x 800mm; while the new EVOLUTION occupies 1000 x 990mm. In other word, PROFESSIONAL has a smaller platform than the new EVOLUTION. Smaller platform means a higher vibration energy density and gives exerciser a more intensive sensation.
Does it mean PROFESSIONAL will bring a better and faster effect than EVOLUTION? By theory, I would say probably yes. However, if an exerciser does not enjoy the “rougher feeling”, one may give up the training at some point. Based on the published data on EVOLUTION, I think it is a quite good machine.
Regarding amplitude and lifting strength (loading capacity), amplitude is the vertical displacement and lifting strength is how much load the motor-system can bear. If the load (weight put on the platform) is within the motor-system’s capacity, the machine should carry out the exact frequency and amplitude settings. If the load exceeds the motor-system’s capacity, its performance may drop or the motor-system may totally fail.
By theory, a machine with higher amplitude can bring better and faster exercising result. In reality, the point is, the same question again, if the exerciser can bear the more powerful machine. It is quite personal in my opinion. It is always the best to try and compare for yourself instead of deciding purely upon theory or others’ comment.
Regards,
TC- Anna
April 15th, 2008Hi Timothy,
Thank you for your reply, I really appreciate your feedback.
regards,
Anna Hi Anna,
My pleasure!
TC
Could I ask everyone to do me a personal favour…..
Type in… Vibration Training …into Google and use the link that comes up for this site instead of going through “favorites” .
It helps other people looking for consumer advice to find us more easily .
Note: There are companies out there doing their best to keep us off the top 10 list . At least one I know of is gettings its staff to search and click as often as possable , even when they get home.
February 13th, 2008
When I design a unit I account for the amount of energy that is spent in each movement in the relationship between the person amd machine ( This has 9 factors in a basic negative response platform )
To keep it simple for the public I called this “required force”.
The higher the RQ , the less room there is for error. As in weight training or sprinting , the more extreme the less room allowed for random movements.