What can Vibration Training do for the Health Industry?
What can Vibration Training do for the Health Industry that hasn’t been done before?
I know this is a question that a lot of those already involved in the health sector are asking and that’s who I’m talking to. I mean we have survived okay without it right? What’s so special about this technology that it should be given a second glance, let alone more attention?
Now I am not some kind of new communist/marketing guru so don’t panic gym owners. I believe private enterprise can be the driving force behind good changes for everybody. But I beg to differ that all is well.
Where We Are Now
- Only approx. 9% of the population pay to use a health service.
- Only 3% actually use this service on a regular basis.
- Most new members drop off within the first 6 weeks. And don’t return. Ever.
As a result personal trainers and other health and fitness professionals (especially one on one trainers ) have to rely on the income generated from this same revolving 3% of the population.
Unlike in the past where the owner actually worked at the gym, the new Corperate Gym owners are never to be seen on premises - so have little respect for the work done on the floor.
The trainers that work on the floor, will seldom get a chance to see an income from the 70% of members that pay a membership but never go. No gym I know of gives its staff dividends of actual turnover.
This leaves little “trickle down” effect in the local economy.
Due to this limited income, most young health professionals eventually leave the industry to get a ” real ” job. With a better and more consistent income. Usually when they want to get married and buy a house.
In essence; right when someone gets to a point where they are considered mature and confident enough to seek higher learning and ask questions about their position - they wise up and leave.
How Vibration Training can help…
Firstly we have to stop concentrating on the 3% of already motivated individuals willing to use the system.
Take more time looking at the 97% of the population that either tries and fails or fails to even try. (I don’t know about you but I find them far more satisfying customers to help than gym bunnies).
Ask yourself why after 15yrs of solid marketing the gym industry has plateaued?
You can’t just put it down to “most people are lazy” and just keep fighting over the same 3%.
Vibration Training is a good non-threatening way for the inactive part of the population to use as a stepping-stone towards a more active lifestyle - where paying for a fitness service does not seem so alien.
It is also a lot easier to get “back on” after “falling off” than most exercise programs - giving you a better chance to catch and keep your customer interested in looking after themselves.
If this works , I see no reason why the economy surrounding the fitness industry cannot be increased by 300% within 5 yrs. And we actually get a chance to stabilize not only the industry but also the health of the general public.
Now I know this doesn’t answer all our problems. And ethical marketing must be done surrounding Vibration Training so the public understands it only plays a part in their health plan.
But hopefully it may be a step in the right direction for all of us.
49 Comments
- mike Hair
February 7th, 2007Owning my own studio puts me at the coal face of this problem of not only getting new members but also retaining them.
We have a mixture of gym people and people that won’t go to gyms.
There is the usual person that for what ever reason will give it ago for a month and you won’t see them again.
We have found that some people who do stop for a while usually return again.
The fact that we are a one on one studio gives people the confidence to return.
This is a great way to get non active people active again. Here is a statement to consider.
” Vibration Training has the chance to give ALL humans a ” base fitness ” level every other species enjoys “.
- Helen
February 8th, 2007I joined a gym once, paid my fee weekly and out of a years membership i went around 3 times. Why? The “gym bunnies” I am around 30 kgs overweight and felt very self conscious going into a gym full of lycra clad toned bodies. I felt everyone was staring at the fat girl puffing in the corner trying to look like she knew what she was doing. I decided this year is time i get healthy, before i turn 30 in November. Not only for me but also for my young son. I nervously went to Vibra-train at Botany and was pleasantly surprised. There were other people like me exercising! I have been going three times a week for the last two weeks and i am loving it. I can feel it is doing something and i have lots more energy. I nearly brought a cheap vibration machine off trademe until i found Lloyd’s comments, and i am glad i havent wasted my money. I must say Lloyd your Bod looks amazing, although would be good if there was a “before” photo to compare results to. I am trying to convince my Husband it would be good for him at the moment, he has about 60kgs to lose. Hopefully my own results in the coming months will be an incentive for him.
- Mery
February 8th, 2007Hi everybody!
I am involved in the world of the Vibration Training just few months ago.
Answering the question that is proposing, the Vibration training is just other step. If you watch at the gym nowadays they are full of machines that imitate out-door exercises: the belt to run, the climbing, bike… and now, the vibration.
How can it help to the industry? The most innovative of this system is suppose that is the time saving in train almost whole body and the relaxation options and some extra benefits. Well, thus is helping to the industry! A new innovation, is healthy, is effective….
I use to joint a Sport Centre, there they have one plate, and I can see how many people, that know how to use it, they finish their training session on it. That’s true that use to be people that is or was related with some kind of sport team, but the thing is that the people use them if they know how. - lisa
February 11th, 2007Hi everyone,
I have been training in gyms on and off for about 8 years. And one of the main things I’ve noticed is that people tend to go “all out”, hit it really hard but consequently burn out.(Myself included) Why??? People have the best intentions. They want to get fit,slim down and feel good right! But hang on, I’ve been going for two weeks, sweating it out for an hour at a time and i’m still not seeing results!! It’s easy to feel disheartened, especially when you’re spending all this time and energy. After a few weeks the gym membership is no longer being used and we’re looking for the next fix. So what do you do then? - lisa
February 11th, 2007People still want something thats fast, safe and effective. I found Vibra Train. I believed in the product that much that I have since become a Trainer. I do have a background in gyms And have done a course to become a Personal Trainer. The PT training i recieved in no way prepared me for WBV. The involuntary stretch reflex was never taught to me. To any skeptical PT’s out there I say come in with an open mind and give it a go.
- Beth
February 12th, 2007Do any other personal trainers have any comments to make about wbv? Be interesting to hear your feedback.
- Jason
February 12th, 2007To All
Do you know if there is WBV training seminars ? No Jason , only sales pitches unfortunatly.
I will be organising one at the same time the V.T.A. is formed.
- Jacob Braxton
February 12th, 2007Lisa,
Do you need a fitness instructor background to teach vibration training?
Jacob - Mery
February 13th, 2007Hi to all!
Lisa, you say that you were searching for something safe, effective and fast, righ?
But, my question is: The people is really comparing those items before to buy or use those machines? I mean, in the market rigth now exist a few different systems: Tilting and Vertical Vibration. Can somebody tell me which one is the most healthy??? - Lisa Thomson
February 13th, 2007Hi Jacob
As i mentioned earlier I’ve been in and out of gyms for years. I’m completing a PT cert via correspondence and I have worked at Papakura Vibra Train for the past six months. No you don’t need ‘FI’ background to teach vibration training. Although it did give me some good basic knowledge into the workings of the human body. In fact I found that it helped for me to put aside alot of my training so that i could best grasp the concept wbv.
Plus some of personal trainers are too experimental,and that simply doesn’t work here. There should be NO variation from the programme what so ever!! As that can leave it open to cause injury and simply will not be tolerated.
Cheers - Lisa Thomson
February 13th, 2007Hi Mery,
I’m not really sure what you’re trying to say. Please clarify
thanks - Mery
February 15th, 2007Hi Lisa,
I want to say that Tilting and Vertical Vibration are completely different in the work out system; ones is jumping in vertical (vertical vibration), and the other is switching the hips (tilting).
This brings consequences to our body, in the tolerance and also in the results.
Now i have it so clear, for me is the tilting; but what I want to know is if the people,in general, when they decide to buy or use one of this machines, they attend to this characteristics or just pay attention in the price or in the more attractive advertisement used. I mean, they really are searching for the most safe and healthy machine or just they follow the tend?? Mery…
the vertical systems are usually more directed towards an actual workout ( on a good quality unit only ).The tilting towards more Therapy responses.
I will be writing an artical on this soon. To fully explain the reasons why this is so.
- Kerry
February 15th, 2007BEWARE OF ANY POSTS ON THIS SITE!!
Nick Morris, Lloyd Shaw and KG are all the same person filling many blogs with their promotional material and cutting down anyone that is not working with them.
YOU NEED TO GO STROKE YOURSELVES SOMEWHERE ELSE.
YOU SHOULD REALLY TRY TO BE LESS OBVIOUS!!!!!!!!
BEWARE OF ANY POSTS ON THIS SITE!!
- Lisa Thomson
February 15th, 2007Kerry..
Easy on tiger! Thats a pretty bold statement to make!! Inlighten us, what proof do you have on the above comments??
I believe Lloyd has the very best intentions,after all he voluntarily comes onto this site.
He answers questions people may have on vibration training honestly which enables them to make better informed decions on the different products out there and what is best for them!.. not himself.Oh yeah… As for “filling many blogs with thier promotional material”…how do you figure???
- Site Administrator
February 15th, 2007Kerry - I provide technical adminstration this site and have absolutely nothing to do with WBV. I can assure you that the three commenters you have mentioned are accessing the site from three different geographical locations right across the planet. They are most certainly not a single person.
I accept the fact that there seems to be a lot of insidious marketing in the WBV area — but these individuals have inspired considerable debate into many aspects of WBV.
- Jason
February 15th, 2007It seems that some people dont dare to challenge Lloyd’s comments and by talking dirty and hard trying to shut his mouth .
Why they afraid Lloyd ? I have the answear .
They JUST DONT WANT THE PUBLIC TO KNOW THE TRUTH ABOUT WBV .They are marketeers who want to sell their awful chinese machines .
The victory for them will come if Lloyd stop support this forum .
Cheers
- Wayne Campbell
February 15th, 2007Kerry, or whoever you are - easy to make sweeping statements without a shred of fact or proof.
Do you have something to lose by Lloyd exposing unethical operaters?? Or is becuase he is legitimising this industry that is causing you concern?
Gee Lloyd you really are rattling some cages out there - keep up the good work!!
Dont worry guy’s , I dont come with an off button.
Any of you guy’s play chess ? It’s always right at the end game , when your opponent realizes the finality of their defeat , they get desperate and make the dumbest moves.
It is so painfull to watch I sometimes let them take the move back.
In this case I wont.
- Mery
February 16th, 2007Guys,
it is a pity what’s happening
i liked this page because the people was shearing experiences and knowledge. And now everybody is blaming everybody. It is a foro and everybody can give their point of view.Kerry if you don’t believe in whole the participants in the foro, it is ok with me, nobody said that you have to believe them. you are a free person and you have your own opinion, but the rest of us also.
Now i would like to go back to the people opinion…….. and do like if this would not happen.
- Mery
February 16th, 2007Lloyd…
we were starting a good conversation i think, because we have a different point of view.I know about the tilting and the therapy uses, and that there are some machines focus on this application; but also there are some others that, with the same system, are available for training. Besides… it makes me think, in therapy the movement should be useful to don’t damage any muscle, fibre, bone… helping to recover them by exercising, don’t? Is how the rehabilitation is working, exercising these weak zones.
so.. why is it not available for a save training?
Mery …
I promise my artical will fully explain the differences. As it is alot more complex than it appairs.- Jason
February 16th, 2007LLoyd
Will you write a new article for the difference between Training and Therapy ? Thats great .When will you post it ?
No Jason I am a long way from fully explaining that yet. You will understand the process when my artical on Pivital and Lineal training is released.
- KG
February 17th, 2007Lloyd,
Here is a site you may want to contact-specifically Craig.Now be forewarned-they are affiliated with PP.
However, they may not know of you guys given you’re like a 24hr. flight from the States. They may be open to hearing some facts-
These guys are THE preeminent training facility in the US. Their roster of PGA, MLB, NFL, NBA stars that rehab or train there in the offseason as well as NFL draft picks that train there is unparalleled. They also brought several PP NG units over to Germany as they were chosen by Klinsman to be the trainers for the German World Cup Soccer team.
Drop them a line, I’d be very curious to their response that might shake up their reality a bit.
Good Luck
KG
- KG
February 17th, 2007Sorry forgot the link…
Here it is-
http://www.coreperformance.com/cpBoard/showthread.php?t=263&highlight=vibration+training
KG…..
Have registered for their forum. Will drop them a line to gauge reaction. But am encouraged to see their understanding about the lack of education surrounding Vibration Training.And making a point of the fact sports scientists are not in an automatic position to work with these machines.
- Site Administrator
February 18th, 2007Quick note: further research has revealed that the person called “Kerry” was posting under a number of different names on this blog - some of which were affiliated to a particular WBV vendor.
No more shall be said on this except that such behavior serves as nothing more than a “turn off” to the general consumer who is simply looking for answers about WBV.
Is WBV about helping people’s health or is it about using snide and petty business practices to increase bottom line?
I think improving people’s health is the better option.
- steven
February 19th, 2007I know there are many studios in Europe which have WBV machines and trainers, however, I am trying to find one in Los Angeles? Do you know of any?
Thanks. - KG
February 19th, 2007There’s a guy on here named Nick Morris who is outta LA and he could probably help you out.
If you would, let us know how it turns out.
Good Luck.
KG
- Nick Morris
February 20th, 2007Steven,
Send me your contact details to nickolachi@gmail.com
Thanks - Harvey
February 24th, 2007Lance
Can you give a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of linear vs. pivotal vibration training, in your opinion?
H
- MikeyB
August 1st, 2007***Plus some of personal trainers are too experimental,and that simply doesn’t work here. There should be NO variation from the programme what so ever!! As that can leave it open to cause injury and simply will not be tolerated.***
The above is a quote from Lisa Thompson on Page 1.
I know that this thread is quite old and Lisa may not respond but I have some queries.
Why should their never be any variation to Vibra Trains Programmes?
From what I have found they only do Basic exercises that target large muscle groups. (i know this is because their main goal is weight loss) but why can more advanced exercises not be dont on Vibration Platforms.For example pilates Teasers. Swiss ball roll aways, oblique crunches (in the Teaser position)
Why must it be restricted to boring basic squats every session with no deviation?
From what I understand you can do almost any exercise on the machine as long as you do not lie on you back or stomach so you do not have direct vibrations on your internal organs.
What is the reason’s for Vibra Train becoming so basic when they used to do a large variety of exercises
Vibra Train do great workouts and they are really promoting the industry fast but come on guys. You cant believe that every individual should do the same workout. Thats why they are individuals. What programme would you give to a Elite Basketball Player who is Male and 22 years old and what programme would you give 75 year old female that wants to get better balance and relieve pain. You cannot posibly tell me that they should have the same basic programme.
MickyB….
Yes you are right about variation on poses etc… but the base education for safety practices are just not in place at the moment. You are forgetting the fact that these 4 groups still have no idea how to use the technology.
(1) Coaches
(2) Physios
(3) Personal Trainers
(4) AthletesI have already designed sports specific units that will be released into specially constructed centers in the future. That way I can be assured that the units are being used as per their design.
If used properly the results will exceed your expecations and go well beyond anything you could “come up with ” youself on a standard plate , without the risks.
Note: I am not banning the world from experimenting on Vibration Training plates. Just not mine.
- MikeyB
August 1st, 2007thanks Lloyd,
i was not commenting to put your training principles down, as i beleive you are one of the most knowledgeable people around when it comes to WBV, and i really enjoy reading your posts.
So are you saying that training on a VibroGym Professional (which I stated I used) you should not try more advanced moves.
as I said I love doing core work on the platfrom (simalar to pilates and swiss ball exercises) but I always do them on the low amplitude, mainly for comfort and for Lumbar Spine safety. Would you say this is dangerous.
You stated coaches etc dont understand the technology, when do you believe they will understand it and how will they come to understand it. just through there own research or do you believe there will be training certificates soon.
Vibration Training will one day have an independent comprehensive curriculum , but not in my opinion , untill all the “brand” wars between marketers and researchers stops and the industry can put in place some generic safety features on machines and programs.
At the moment I am only seeing sales pitches disguised as education.
I only believe your core work may be unsafe due to the unsupervised nature of it. I have seen very experienced trainers “forget” the basics when caught up in the moment of pushing themselves. And Vibration plates can be very unforgiving.
That “moment” could be 40 incorrect movements.
- MikeyB
August 12th, 2007I was shown a great website in the weekend to help people get active and on a great nutritional plan.
For those from NZ it is an ACC website which top trainers and nutritionists have made. It mainly gives you a great aerobic exercise plan tailored to you, which will work in very well to see results faster when you combine it with Vibration training for strength training. It also give you some great nutrition plans.
they even have weather reports so they can give you more outdoor activities on the days it should be fine.of course the weather reports are only for NZ but the rest can be used by everyone.
OH AND ITS FREE !!
let me know what you think, my partner and I just signed up.
February 7th, 2007
I hope some real personal trainers submit comments about this project.