Choosing a Vibration Platform For Home
Recently a user posed the following question:
“I want a machine for home use - domestic. So how do I know what to buy with all the choices out there - do I trust celebrity endorsements?”
In the spirit of this site we will not be mentioning brand names so you will need to still do some homework regarding what to buy. However we will cover some of the things to watch out for as you “tire kick” your way around the net - and
some of the strategies used by marketers to rope you in.
Buying a Vibration Machine For Home
This category is the easiest one to get confused over - mainly down to two reasons.
Marketers are:
- Deliberately blurring the lines between quality of product vs results.
- Playing on your insecurities and isolation.
The home user of a new exercise product is an easy target for both the above reasons - with most companies only too willing to prey on the consumer’s lack of knowledge. To make matters worse the same person will not want to hang around gyms where this type of information is discussed freely. If they are really sensitive about their weight then it may not even be discussed with their friends or family - leaving the media to be solely responsible for any education process.
Note: The more scientific the theory behind the product the easier it is to confuse the consumer.
Marketers of such products and services rely heavily on sketchy reports of famous people using their product or paying someone to pretend (it’s called acting) to use their product - the very people you read about in magazines
and see looking far more fantastic than anybody has a right too. This, in turn, raises your own expectations of what you should look like.
Combine this with the isolated mindset of someone who really does think they are letting themselves down and you have a person almost begging to be taken for a ride.
Essentially the media spend all their time causing you anguish rather than offer to fix it.
So - in steps the “marketers” with their vague promises of getting you the same machine that “so and so” uses, and the attached body (for a good price of course).
Celebrities Use Very Expensive Machines
Now most of the time they are not always outrightly lying. Your favorite celebrity may be doing “Vibration Training” but I can assure you they are not using a model you can afford. And the results on these machines are in direct comparison to the quality of the unit.
How do I know this you say - well firstly I design machines for my company, and secondly I can tell you straight up I know a couple of trainers that personal-train big stars and they have comfirmed what machines are used. I just can’t repeat it.
Note: None of them are under $12,000 U.S.
The fact is “real” stars keep things very quiet. Example: I have an expo soon that is closed to the public, no cameras, no cell phones, invites only. I will be meeting people I am not allowed to talk about. What does that tell you?
All that secrecy and combine that with generic terms like “Vibration Training” or “Vibrating Platform” and the scene is set for misdirection of the facts.
Perfect well known example below….
Madonna looks amazing thanks to $14,000 vibrating plate -by REBECCA CAMBER, Daily Mail, UK July 2006
“With her heavily muscled arms, you would be forgiven for thinking it is the result of a punishing exercise regime at the gym. But it seems the Queen of Pop’s incredible shape is, in part, thanks to the vibrating platform - dubbed the ‘miracle’ machine. The vibrating platform is said to be responsible for the incredible shapes of not only Madonna, but also stars such as Claudia Schiffer and Natalie Imbruglia. But the “miracle” machine doesn’t come cheap - at £6,995 ($14,000 USD) it costs far more than the average annual gym membership. After the muscley 47-year-old Queen of Pop bought the vibrating exercise platform, sales have reportedly soared. And in Harrods, around 20 machines are sold every weekend.”
This article clearly states how much the stars unit cost her. However she had only picked up the unit that week so her figure could not have been contributed to by that exact machine (it was in fact a present for a
friend as she already had a unit at home). Companies will sell you a home machine at a quarter of the price that supposably does the same thing.
Does that sound right to you ?
I mean I myself pay NZ$12,500 to get my smallest entry level unit built for studio use -and I own the factory !! (no you can’t buy one so don’t even ask).
So where does that leave the home user? High and dry you might think… luckily this is not the case. You can get good solid results from a decent quality home model. Combine that with a bit of cardio and diet correction and you will be well on your way. No need to bust a gut - just consistent effort is needed.
A few rules of thumb to help you narrow down the field
- Solid steel (not cheap steel or plastic) if possible.
- Reputable company. If you don’t trust them don’t buy it. Try searching on-line for anything you can find about the company. Trust your instincts. Leave dodgy units from dodgy companies alone - no matter how good the packaging. There will soon be 140 companies marketing to you with similar products. Be patient and choose wisely.
- Ask the seller…
- Where it was made?
- Who made it?
- What it is made of?
- Who designed the program?
If the questions above cannot be answered then walk away. This is your health we are talking about and these should be easy questions for anyone not hiding something to answer.
- Local warranty back-up. Well-known fitness store is best so you have someone real to walk in and talk to.
- Be realistic about your goals. Say if you are purchasing a unit that cost only a few thousand for weight loss (as opposed to a $14,000 U.S. unit) then things may move very slowly. Do not get frustrated, just stick to a good safe program every second day and it will happen. Think about this - you are trying to reverse how many years of abuse? It is not going to
happen overnight is it? So relax and just enjoy the thought you are actually doing something for yourself which is half the battle right? - It will have a limited lifespan.
Worst comes to worst you can always post a question on this site but try and make the question about certain characteristics of the machine rather than the brand name, or
- It may sound like marketing
- A few units are sold under a constantly changing name to confuse consumers. A description is far better to work on.
Happy hunting folks and hope you get what you are looking for - which remember is what you pay for.
Kind regards Lloyd Shaw
495 Comments
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- Diana
August 15th, 2007i have just bought a PowerFull vibration plate exerciser.made in belgium by Lanaform,not very clear instructions on how long to exercise and what machine does etc,though has a good range of exercises.have you any reviews of this machine please?
- Diana
August 15th, 2007i have just bought a PowerFull vibration plate exerciser.made in belgium by Lanaform,not very clear instructions on how long to exercise and what machine does etc,though has a good range of exercises.have you any reviews of this machine please?
Hello Diana,
I don’t think your PowerFull is made in Belgium. Check out the following link from a B-to-B website and you will find a twin of your vibration plate. It is a Taiwanese product and a cheap one.
http://www.alibaba.com/catalog/11317159/Vibration_Trainer.html
I notice from internet that your PowerFull is selling at only EUR 199.00 to endusers. To build a decent vibration device, I am afraid this price is not enough for buying a good motor.
Obviously you made a wrong decision.
Anyway, since it is already sitting in your home, it would be too cruel to ask you to throw it away.
You can do simple stance pose or light squat for 30 sec. to 1 min, then take a short rest, say 30 sec. Do it for about 10 cycles per day.
Remember to flex your knees and lift your heels a bit when you do stance pose.
TC
- john
August 15th, 2007wot kind should i get for peronal use
Diana….
http://www.vibra-train.com/exercises-bullet.html
Read instruction link at the bottom of that page
carefully.http://www.vibra-train.com/exercises-explained.html
John…
The article at the beginning of the blog should give you the tools to make that decision. The reason why most of us will not just give you a name is it offers no “real time ” protection, as even some of the good labels have succumbed to outsourcing to the Chinese as you can read a few blogs back.
- Roger
August 21st, 2007Anyone had any experience with u.s. models Vibraslim and Vibratrim? Also, the power vibe pro. It was mentioned in an earlier post. The hypergravity looks and sounds fine but is just a little out of my range.
Thanks. - Carol
August 21st, 2007Lloyd, Thanks for all the great information. Are you familiar with a product made by DKN-USA for home use. My original interest in WBV was to build bone density. After visiting a trainer and working out on the WBV I want it for all the benefits it offers. I have been in contact with a distributor for FITVIBE in CA who recommnended DKN-USA as it is more affordable ($2500) for me and would accomplish what I want.
Thye DKN would be suitable for bone density. But keep in mind it is at best a light training model.
Check out the prices of the DKN series in the U.K. so you get a good idea if the prices are not to jacked up.
http://www.sweatbandfitness.co.uk
Left hand side under Vibration Training.
They come from China so the prices should be very comparable to the U.K.
- Carol
August 23rd, 2007Thanks again Lloyd. I checked the UK site and they were selling the same unit for $1082 and this guy from CA was going to give me a deal at $2500 if I ordered before 9/15 because it was from a trade show. So much for that. Also I didn’t know it was made in China, I was told Taiwan. After reading previous comments on this site I’d rather avoid China even though this unit would be suitable for bone density. Am trying to justify the cost of Hypergravity personal unit for myself. Am also researching Power Vibe Pro Trainer: steel construction, European design and made in Taiwan. Any advice there?
Not a bad little home unit. Will do most things you want. They charge about $1600-US for that model in the U.K.
- Keith
September 6th, 2007To: Lloyd, TC, Mike Hair and Mikey B, All of whom suggested or concurred with the Hypergravity Personal being a decent Home machine at a reasonable price, I thank you for your input.
At first I was having trouble justifying the the sort of price I would have to pay for a decent home machine and then I used a few comments from these blogs to try and convince my wife that we could use the Olympic Pro until we were 90 and that we could achieve more on the bigger platform of the pro than on the personal.
It worked, she agreed and I ordered the Olympic Pro recently which should arrive in a few days time. If there are any recriminations, Lloyd, Iv’e given her your e-mail address
I would think that impetuous would describe us both, neither of us have tried a lineal machine, only once we stood for a minute on one of those tv mail order machines in a retail outlet, so this is going to be interesting to say the least.
Someone in these blogs said ‘throw away the poster that comes with the machine and use Lloyds basic positions’. I’ve accordingly downloaded and printed both the illustrations and the printed instructions from his site.
Before I start with the training I would like to note some factors in my present condition so that I can use them as a yardstick to measure progress. Could I please be advised what they should be? I assume it would be things like bodyfat %, weight, blood pressure etc? I have a doctor friend who is looking on in mild concern and amusement and who most probably would run any necessary tests.
Please don’t ask in this public forum what these figures are currently, I’ve already been grossly insulted by a machine at the gym that measures among other things, body fat, blood pressure etc. (If it was a person I would have sued) My one negative that I’m prepared to disclose is poor circulation in the feet and an ulcer just above the ankle about 3 years ago which took almost a year to heal. Just remembered one positive, stopped smoking about 4 months ago.
Lloyd, I really wish you could do an instructional video of the basics for those of us who do not have physical access to your expertise. I sure it will be a best seller no matter what the price.
I look forward to becoming part of, from what I’ve seen, a close knit and helpful community of WBV very nice people.
- MikeyB
September 6th, 2007Great to hear keith. I havent Tried a Hypergravity but they do look tough as hell.
you should do a few little tests which would be great to see the changes.
Dont use those Body fat % machines. they are pretty much the most inacurate ay to test body fat. and keep well clear of BMI.You said you have a Dr friend. Get him/her to take some skinfolds if possible. Just a couple but make sure he takes them in the same place evry time so there is less chance of human error. (if he doesnt know about skin folds get him/her to sneak you in for a MRI or CT scan that will show you body composition hahaha.)
Measure some girths. bicep, chest, stomach and mid thigh should be enough.
get you blood Pressure.
You could also do some strength, balance and flexibility test but you will know your stronger anyway.
how bout a before pic and an after pic in 12 months.
Good luck and have fun.
- Keith
September 6th, 2007Hi Mikey B,
We will do pics but ones like Lloyd with the cap on. That way I can always superimpose another body after 12 months and not be recognised. 12 months???? I was hoping to turn my 1 pack into a Lloyd type 6 pack a tad sooner.
Btw, At our gym they took before and after shots of my body for advertising purposes and ended up using both as the before shots……
I suppose I’m lucky my doctor friend is a trauma specialist.
Thanks for the goods wishes, I’m sure both my wife and I will be indebted to all of you in the near future.
Btw Lloyd, You were right. There was no downside to selling my mother-in-law into slavery, the poor fellow took her ‘as is’ - mike Hair
September 6th, 2007Hi Keith…
Congratulations on your purchase, I have imported 2 elite pro’s.
If you e-mail me at mike_hair@xtra.co.nz I will tell you abit more about the machine.Regards
Mike Keith…
Make sure that septic ulcer/infection is not active when you start training. Do not even massage the area . I can not stress this enough , unless you want to lose a leg or worse.
After scaring the crap out of you with that , if all clear there is no concern.
A good quality ( 4 bioelectrical impedance + ) BCA unit will give you a decent read-out but remember it measures the body-fat around your internal organs so the figure may appear higher than a skin fold test.
E-mail Mike in regards to operating the units and settings.
- Keith
September 7th, 2007Thank You both for the feedback and advice and to Lloyd for clearing any bowel obstruction that may have existed. I’ve already e-mailed Mike and look forward to the kind sharing of his experience and knowledge of the Hypergravity.
Lloyd, a question if you please. I understand your dire warning but why not massage if it reportedly increases blood circulation and therefore should speed up healing? If an Ulcer is septic the infection is actually isolated to that area. It wont generally work its way directly into your blood unless smashed into by a chair or say a big vibrating platform.
If an ulcer is present , sitting in front of a unit may be allowed but I would want to inspect it first.
- Keith
September 9th, 2007Understood. Thank you Lloyd. I’m hoping that I’ll never experience one of those again if I continue with WBV and your program.
- Charlie
September 29th, 2007Hi Lloyd, you seem to know what you are talking about with the WBV machines, I am completely new to this and have read many forums and reviews on the machines. I just want one to tone up a bit, I have been recommended the Vibra slim? I have been searching high and low for one that is not too expensive, I know that all of the expensive ones are going to give you the best results but obviously not all of us are able to afford this, but at the same time I dont want to go ahead and buy any old one that isnt going to work. I have also been recommended the Body Sculpture BM1510 http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/store/product.asp?dept_id=200&pf_id=Body_Sculpture_BM1510_Power_Trainer_Plus Can any one tell me if buying one between £500-£700 is pointless or if there is any out there that can be recommended, I have recently lost 3 stone and want to do anything possible to keep it off plus help my backache. Any help would be greatly apreciated.
This kind of unit here….
… is the lowest quality machine that has a chance of doing the job you want. Study the specs carefully and do not let any salesperson talk you around.
Happy hunting.
- Karen
October 4th, 2007Hi Loyd.
This morning I was really happy and enthusiastic about buying my Crazy Fit Massage Machine the past week on it has been great. This afternoon I am completely negative about it and so dispondant about the other mashines available.
I am a South African and this was the one mashine that looked “affordable” and OK. At 6,000 Rand it had to do its job, right? Now I’ve looked into the Fitvibe and at 40,000 Rand it is unaffordable. (so by the way - they also do not give any training with their mashine “you dont need it, the mashine tells you everything” was their response)
So now this huge brand new mashine is standing in my house and I feel terrified to get onto my mashine!!!!!
Is it really THAT BAD?
Please inform me. Sorry but yes it can be that bad. Do not follow their instructions or advice , the way they operate has put alot of people at risk .
The machine can be used safely . Just wait , we will have a Pivotal program up soon for everybody to follow .
- Keith
October 5th, 2007Hi Lloyd and Mike H
Could either please advise on settings for foot massage with relation to circulation on the Hyper G and could it be used daily or twice a day whilst sitting in front of the machine?
Training is going well for us both and able to do the 9 basic positions successfully although the latter part of the tricep dip is agony when weighing in at 109 kgs.
This is a serious question. Our one cat has taken to getting onto the platform while we are training and doing a walkabout before jumping off again. Its amusing because she has always been a bit nuts but my life wouldn’t be worth living if she expired suddenly.
She’s about 16 yrs old. Do we keep her out of the room while training or is it ok to let her on the platform?Thanks in anticipation and good luck in Cardiff.
A Massage setting around 45hz on 3mm will do well without bruising an tissue.
Your cat will be fine. Should in fact keep it more mobile.
- Keith
October 5th, 2007Thanks Lloyd and how often could I do it? It must be doing something because there’s a wonderful pins and needles sensation in the feet when the platform stops.
- Keith
October 5th, 2007…..and also how many seconds at one sitting?
- Olivia
October 6th, 2007Hi Lloyd,
I wonder if you could help me.
I have decided to buy one of the cheap home vibrating plates, despite all you say, as although I used to have access to a power plate in a gym, I have moved, and can no longer reach a gym which has them. Also, in England, only gyms with very expensive membership have them.
The problem is, I have no idea at all which companies are con merchants, and which are *reasonably* reputable. I am looking at machines around £150, so pretty basic.
The two I’m considering are the Power Maxx Vibrations,and the DKN Vibe Trainer. There doesn’t seem to be much about the DKN on the internet, other than on its own sites, but it is preferable as delivery is much quicker. I wondered if you could suggest whether either of these could be dangerous, or whether one looks less bad/ less well made/ effective than the other. It’s just I really don’t know how to go about assessing them. If you could help at all I’d be really REALLY grateful.Many Thanks,
Olivia
- Olivia
October 6th, 2007Oh, p.s. I am a model, so really want it to help tone muscles/ burn a few calories. although increasing bone density would also be a bonus.
- Olivia
October 6th, 2007SOrry to bother you again! I am also considering the Body Sculpture BM 1500, if you’ve heard of this?
Olivia
Let me put it this way. All the units you are looking at are about a 1/4 of the power of a PowerPlate. And the PowerPlate is about 1/4 of the machine it should be.
Even though they are cheap they are a waste of your money.
Also…
The models that come to my studio need even better quality units for the results they need.
- Olivia
October 6th, 2007Hey Lloyd,
Thanks for your reply. ~What are ‘quality units’?
As the power plate made a big difference to my shape, I thought one of these might make some difference? It’s just as I said, I can’t reach one at a gym easily..If I was going to get one, which do you reckon would be the least horrendous choice?
Thanks so much
- Olivia
October 6th, 2007oh sorry ‘quality units’ = decent machines, of course.. Sorry, thought was some techno jargon!
Even the lighter units such as Powerplate or even cheaper brands can make a difference, but the body adjusts very quickly and will stop reacting , it is just a matter of time.
Ok if you are just paying to use a machine casually as you can always source another high end unit elsewhere. But not so easy if you have brought one or are locked into a membership.
- Olivia
October 6th, 2007Thanks Lloyd, so is it just that the heavier the unit the more effective?
Tricky question and one the marketers love.
The answer is not always. Very hard to explain.
- Olivia
October 7th, 2007ok, so if I wanted one just to make a small difference for a while, which out of the DKN vibe, the Power Maxx or the Body Sculpture BM 1500 is the worst? Or would you say they’re all exactly the same? Cheers
Hi Lloyd,
First of all thank you for putting together this website - the info if extremely usefull. I’ve just been looking at some of the cheaper models that you say are ok (I know the minimum you really rate are the Hypergravity and Myvibe, but they out of my price range at the moment) and is it me, or are the DKN Pro and Power Vibe Pro actually the same machine?(http://www.mywholebodyvibration.com/specialoffer.html)
(http://www.sweatbandfitness.co.uk/shop/detail.asp?ProductGroupID=15667&c=2421&d=532#)regards,
gursewa.
P.S. One day soon, when I can get the money together and can use myself for ‘before and after pictures’, i’m gonna take up one of your franchises!
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August 15th, 2007
i have just bought a PowerFull vibration plate exerciser.made in belgum,not very clear instructions on how long to exercise and what machine does etc,though has a good range of exercises.have you any reviews of this machine please?