Here is a PDF copy of an actual wholesale order form for a “Vibrating Massager”. Look carefully at the price: 125 US Dollars per item.
I’ve shown the picture from the order form.
Among the claims listed with the machine is this: “Excellent body shaper melts away mass body fat”.
Now let’s look an actual ad (see below) for the exact same machine from a retailer. You will note the machine appears to be identical (except for a different brand).
It sells for a price of 1,699 US Dollars. A mark-up of %1,359.
No wonder there is such a clamor to try and market these machines.
If integrity and quality does not enter the market soon – the entire concept of Whole Body Vibration will become (remain?) a laughing stock.
Please refer to the article Choosing a Vibration Platform for Home – before parting with your hard-earned cash.
UPDATE 11 Feb 2008: Picture removed after request from owner of the product
One big draw back!
These manufacturers can get away with this because the public doesnt know any better, and things like this blog are just not seen by the general public!
You could probably make one yourself with a few hand held or other type plug in vibrators and concoct your own thing to stand on for a lot less.
Im not sure I got the point of the article – whether the author thinks this particular offer is a scam or the whole concept of vibro platform is. I have one at home, well, my family does (couldn’t own it alone – this thing is super expensive!) – and it works like some miracle pill. I used to work 6-10 hours per week in a gym and the result wasn’t nearly as good as this baby gives with 30 minutes a day. BUT ours cost somewhere around 15000 USD and weighs at 150+ kilos (330 pounds).
BTW, initially we bought it for my brother who suffers from child cerebral palsy – if you found this article looking for some therapy on that – should definitively try it.
Ivan,
Which platform are you using?
I think that’s great to expose these frauds – and they seem to be all over in the exercise field – vibration is just a prime and excellent example.
I think I stumbled on their site a week or so ago.
I am pretty sure its “elite fitness” (NZ Fitness Shop) selling their equipment through this website.
When I was in Elite Fitness last they told me how they are now buying PowerPlate home machines and Branding them with the Elite Fitness Logo.
I just found the site but I guess you dont want it on here so I wont write the url.
yep I am pretty sure thats Elite Fitness and they are using there high profile name in Gym Equipment to sell crappy machines to everyone using their logos
Dear All
It must be clear to us all that the only difference between the Powerplate and chinese import machines such as VibraSlim V2/Crazy Fit Massage is motion of the plate going back and forward on the Powerplate. The oscillation up/down movement has a higher amplitude on the Vibraslim/Crazy Fit Massage though – this important up/down movement i publicly described as the most important movement for the musclestretch-reflex to occur.
Can anyone in this blog compliment the Vibraslim/Crazy Fit Massage for its functionality? Has anyone experienced any results?
Best Regards
Alex
Copenhagen, Denmark
“In order to elicit a stretch reflex in the muscles, the major contributing factor to the training results that can be achieved with vibration platforms, the up-down movement is the most important. Most popular machines vibrate in three different directions: sideways (x), front and back (y) and up and down (z). The z-axis has the largest amplitude and is the most defining component in generating and inducing muscle contractions. Concerning the z-movements two principle types of systems can be distinguished: side alternating systems, operating like a see-saw and hence mimicking the human gait where always one foot is moving upwards and the other one downwards and systems where the whole platform is mainly doing the same motion respectively both feet are moved upwards or downwards at the same time (source: Abercromby AF, Amonette WE, Layne CS, McFarlin BK, Hinman MR, Paloski WH.: Vibration Exposure and Biodynamic Responses during Whole-Body Vibration Training, Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2007 Oct;39). Systems with side alternation offer a larger amplitude of oscillation and a frequency range of about 5 Hz to 35 Hz system the other systems offer lower amplitudes but higher frequencies in the range of 20 Hz to 50 Hz.”
I meant to say ” IS publicly described as the most important…”, not “I publicly” – my fault.
In defense of Alex, I think he made a typo and dropped the ‘s’ – i.e. “…is publicly described…”. Agree a reference would be handy, but I doubt he is a marketeer, just someone genuinly trying to make sense of it all – as am I!
Whoops, crossed over in the ether – sorry!
Also,
Pivotal Machines are VERY effective for peripheral neuropathy and nerve regeneration.
My friend Yosef Johnson has a clinic in Muskegon called Balance In Life. He uses the Galileo 2000 (25-27 hz), 5 min 3x a week with his patients.
He has amazing proof with over 30 patients on reversing incontinence, neuropathy (diabetic related), and osteopenia. He has several years of experience working with pivotal and taught me a lot.
If you type in “whole body vibration” in youtube.com, you can watch my interview with him. Look for “Whole Body Vibration 1″, “Whole Body Vibration 2″ and “Whole Body Vibration 3″. (9 min each segment)
He is very open minded and would be someone good to work with on refining a pivotal safety protocol and plan. He’s a great researcher and is very careful to make sure people have correct placement (perfect symmetry about the pivot point).
He may be able to help open communications with the pivotal community since he knows all the researchers very well.
Bryant
Yes,
I am planning to put up a whole body vibration resource website with NO advertising or promoting of any specific brand.
I can easily put up an organized assault on the cheap lineal and pivotal from overseas. Give me a little time, as I need to have my website up and running first. I have some ideas I want to run past you.
My first target is the vibraslim/vibratrim/crazyfit/slimvibe
Then Soloflex WBV
Then Powerplate
After that we’ll see, possibly vibrafit (or any recommendations?)
With your permission, can I use some of the information here for educational purposes. I promise this site is not brand specific, only educational.
Thanks Again
Bryant Meyers
I’m a physiotherapist who’s using WBV at my clinic (fitvibe) & in the process to put together with my team a WBV book for medical & health care professionals. I’m a huge fan of WBV & believe in its positive use in medical field. I’ve been reading some of your comments & would like you to help me answering some questions please:
1- Most companies selling WBV claim “10mins on Vibration plate equivalant to 1hr conventional training”, On what research or theory this claim is based?
2- Do all vibration machines have different G-forces? if yes, then Does higher G-Force have a more positive result on effects of WBV?
3- Can we use WBV with for example on patient with healed/recoverd (6 months post-op) artificially replaced knees of hips? (I believe we can depend on each case!but interested to know your opinion)
4- Is there a comparison table on all current WBV machines & their differences in term of specs, quality, features …etc?
5- Do you know of any starting research on WBV? if yes, can you please list them?
Sorry to bombard you with all these random questions! I appreciate your help
Regards
Leon
I HAVE BEEN USING THE VIBRATION PLATFORM 600 AND THE 300 AT HOME AND IT DOES HELP. IT HAS HELPED MY FIBROIDS SHRINK AND THE SYMPTOMS AND NO LONGER THERE. i USE IT FOR 3 X 20 MINS PER DAY
I would like to here more about this ?
i had a left full hip replacement 25th august 2010 then the same on my right in 2011, i have used my crazy fit machine but i dont know if i should. the numbers go from 1-20, i feel it does work but with my right hip i can feel it knocking, its not uncomfortable but i dont know if i’m doing any damage because of the vibration. i go upto nub 8 as it feels safe to me. i want to use it more as this also feels good with circulation, would you beable to tell me if its safe to use every day because thats what. i dont ever regret buying this product. whilst i waitng for my oporations i used it a lot as it eased back pain and helped to keep me mobile, so i can say they do work , thank you for your time.
Hi Sue,
First off, given the low acceleration of the crazy fit, it is unlikely that you can do any major harm. This machine is a massager for the most part. Having that been said, since the right THR was in 2011, you are working within one year post-op (unless it was January?). The general rule for vibration is that you begin training after 1 year post-op.
One of the reasons is that this is a typical timeframe for substantial healing to take place with this surgery (or any orthopedic surgery for that matter). You describe “knocking”, which is a rather vague description of your symptoms. Using my PT background, I would interpret this as a sense of instability. If this is the case, it may just be that muscles are not trained well enough yet and the ligaments require more time to stabilize the new hip. These are normal things for the most part and require time.
On the other end of things, given the nature of the surgery, if you feel any instability, it is important to also look out for substantial pain or even an intuitive sense that something is “wrong”. These both warrant trip back to the MD.
My advice, as long as you are not feeling severe pain or having any abnormal sensation when you are not on the platform, is to bring your feet in closer and keep the knees bent a bit. This will reduce the motion of the hip/pelvis while still stimulating the spine and muscles of the legs.
Hope that helps.
How about the ‘k-1 Platinum’ by Aestetic MD? Is it ‘real” or ‘Memorex’? Honestly, it seems too good to be true…let me know what you think, t.
I know another name for the VibraSlim it is called “The Tone In Ten” http://www.toneinten.ca/home.php. They are separte distributors.
I am reading your site for the first time. I want to buy a WBV unit. I was using the Proellixe with a trainer I injured my back severely this past year –and I became intrigued with the technology. I would like to purchase a WBV for the home so my family could use it. My son for strength and training, my daughter for weight loss and toning and me for health reasons to increase my bone density and improve my back strength. I am on a limited budget -$1500. I was going to buy the Slimvibes, but now I am not so sure. Why do you not like this? Do you know what type of machine this is- lineal or pivotal. The more I study the less I know and understand. I thought that one machine could do it all- I guess the marketing really is deceptive. Please advise me on the best home based machine. TY
Cheers Marge in Canada.
Crazy fits are going for $199 on ebay here in the USA…
Wont be long before you will be able to buy a unit at Walmart for less than $100.
Seems to me the real question is….
Do you Pineapple?
http://www.pineapple.la/
Very sharp website. Love the videos BUT, I’m sick of all the sexism dammit. I want to see chicks on vibration platform videos! (:
Levity aside, what are all your thoughts? I’ve never seen some of the platform movements so slow before(with the visible eye) and at such amplitude.
I think they are made in China-which is a no-go in my book- but hey, it’s not like it’s toothpaste or toys or food/pharma products, so maybe it will escape all the lead and toxins that seem part of the bargain for doing business there…I’ve got an open mind.
On first looks though it does look interesting. What I’m wondering is if the forum thinks my “interesting” is their “gimmicky”. Thanks Folks.
KG
Looking at specs for the pineapple machine, is there any risk training on a lineal machine with a hertz rating of 5-30 and the amplitude at 1mm?
The fit-vibe youtube was amazing…in so much that, it wasn’t meant to be a parody. But the Barry White soundtrack?!? Wow. They can’t seriously hope to sell those things with that.
I wanna see the fitvibe girl…..
Pineapple!
I appreciate your blog as there is a myriad of information available. I am an academic based at the University of Newcastle, and thought you might be interested to know that I am in the middle of conducting a literature review on WBV research. Am planning to produce the report sometime in the New Year if you are interested based on a limited review of studies.
1. I do have a question about machines though, which I know little about. My understanding from reading your blog is that lower amplitudes 3-5mm is sufficient to produce results, and that hz above 25 are desirable to fatigue/tone muscles etc. Is my understanding accurate?
2. how does the number of watts of a motor affect performance. For instance, I have seen a machine with 140 watt motor, amplitude 3-5mm, and 26-62 rps (hz). I have also seen a machine with a 450 watt motor, 10mm amplitude, and 13-35hz. Both are lineal platforms. Can you comment on these specifications?
3. does revolutions per second mean the same as hz?
e.g. 2500rps = 42hz?
Thanks
With regards to the provision of accurate machine specs by manufacturers to researchers. I have noted in some of the research that the specific brands of the machines has been named in the research which is a bit dodgy given that research can be severely compromised by “alliances’. I am more interested though in the methodological details (e.g speed of vibration, frequency and duration of treaments) and outcomes of the studies. Most importantly though, the consequent conclusions that can be made for the average user/purchaser of WBV. My concern is that there are so many false, misleading, and sensational claims made by people who have a vested interest in promoting a marketing message, that consumers may be being duped. It also seems apparent to me that there is much to be learned about the finer aspects of this technology and its effective application. There need to be independent people with no vested interest (supposedly like academics) carrying out and reporting research. My instinct tells me that those manufacturers/retailers who adopt a more educational approach are less likely to be misleading consumers, especially if their claims are more or less understated.
By the way. My email address is:
christiaan.mccomb@newcastle.edu.au for those that are interested in what I am doing.
Regards
Christiaan
there is another knock off “Vibro form” advertised at 1095.00 (after heavy discounts), but if you look at the picture illustrated on the form it is a “Crazy fit Massage” the company flogging this off is called International Global Concepts. I have just priced, the Crazy fit Massage machine in another location for 300.00 Australian.
Kind
regards
Liss
With regards to this article, I’d just like to make a comment about a recently purchased vibration platform I purchased through a very well known internet/phone mail order company in Australia (Globalshopdirect). The Power Pulse cost around $1,300 (AUD) and came with a 30 day trial period.
I used the machine regularly (generally 3 times a day for 10 minutes, virtually every day of the week) and noticed quite good improvements in tone and comfort (I suffer from neck pain).
However, after about 4 months, the machine just suddenly stopped working (while I was on it!)… and when I turned it on a few times again thinking it may have just been a glitch, the circuit blew.
I don’t understand all the ins and outs of WBV completely, but my own experiences with it have really reinforced the idea that this technology actually works!I don’t understand all the ins and outs of WBV completely, but my own experiences with it have really reinforced the idea that this technology actually works! I’m now shopping around for a new machine (which is how I stumbled across this forum!), but can only give this statement of advice:
If you’re happy to spend less on a machine, that’s great! But be prepared for the plain and simple fact that to have such a low price, the quality of the machine itself is lowered. It won’t last you forever, but it’ll do the trick!
HOWEVER, if (like me) you’re wanting something that will last a lot longer than a few uses, and will be a long term piece of quality equipment, don’t expect to get that from something that’s simply not built to endure it. If you want long term, be prepared to invest the money, because it will be worth it!
This isn’t a slight on WBV at all – I’m all for it! I’m simply saying that you get what you pay for. And if what you’re after is something simple, by all means, go for the cheaper models – just don’t expect them to last forever!
)
Thanks for that. But unfortunately I have already made over 15 calls to the company (as the machine is still under warranty) only to be told that I would need to pay for the freight back before I could claim my warranty, and that if I left my name and number someone would call me back with the return details (not that I was willing to pay to send it back when the warranty still existed!). Needless to say I still haven’t been able to speak to anyone at the company, and when I do have my calls answered, it goes no further than “leave your name and number”, despite everything I tell them.
Don’t worry, I have reported them to Fair Trading. I have no doubt the money will eventually be refunded.
these “Crazy Fit” looking machines are now selling on eBay for about $150-$400 USD plus shipping of $70-$160 for US delivery. the claim a 1.5 hp motor, 1cm amplitude and a bunch of frequencies.
Question:
Is there more than just power, amplitude (length of vibration hopefully measured in at least the vertical plan) and frequency to get the health/ training benefits?
In México this crazy fit is known as aparato multimasajes reductivos and it costs 510usd, as vibrogym home unit and it cost 856usd, vibrazone in 650usd, sky dancer in 1100usd or power plate fit massage.
Kim,
My experience trying 5 different pivotals including the noblerex k1, vibrslim/trim/crazyfit/slimvibes, galileo 2000 (and two others I dont know the brand names) is that the specs provided (amplitude, freq, and power) dont take the place of experience. And I have come to find out through my own testing that they are not always accurate (vibraslim for example doe NOT have a freq range 30-60hz as stated).
The Galileo no doubt is the strongest and perhaps best built of all the pivotals I have experienced. But it is expensive, noisy and perhaps has levels of intensity not needed for the average person.
The K1 in my direct experience has a stronger vibration and more tangible benefit than vibratrim, vibraslim, and the other two pivotals I have personally tried.
Personally I prefer pivotals especially the galileo and K1, but thats just my own experience… find yours
Do your own research, talk to different people and wbv companys, read posts on this wonderful forum and other fitness and osteoporosis forums…
Definitely dont take anyones word as gospel (certainly not mine…lol), try to locate different machines in your area to try out, or go to a fitness trade show where you could try many.
This is a big investment and noone knows your body like you,
Thats my two cents worth
I hope it makes sense
Bryant
There are a lot of unflattering comments here regarding Vibraslim but I’m interested in whether it’s products have actually moved on. I’m looking at getting a machine, say 80% therapy and 20% training (if such a breakdown is of any sense!).
The following website was a useful introduction to some key principles. Now having seen some earlier model Vibraslim Euro pictures elsewhere, it’s clear that the ‘cheap copy’ pictures on the site match the early Vibraslims. So I can understand that Vibraslim must have at some point been doing the cheap import stuff:
http://www.vibrationexercise.ca/vibration-exercise-machine-buyer-guide.htm
But the above website also gives emphasis to Vibraslim as NOT being in the cheap copy bracket. And when you check Vibraslim’s site itself, it seems like they have directly addressed the kind of build concerns that the vibrationtraining.net website has been discussing:
http://www.myeuroplate.com/
My points are:
1. It may be true that if a company starts out dodgy or in some sense unprofessional then it loses credibility forever. Or for a very long time. But if we put that to one side, does the Vibraslim Euro now being described look like the same machine as the original Vibraslim Euro that provoked the uncomplimentary attention? Does it deserve a second chance? I’m not being rhetorical here, I’m genuinely asking for people’s opinion.
2. I’m in San Francisco. I can find virtually no fitness locations in the city that have any focus on vibration based equipment. A couple of gyms have Power Plates, but no other type. So my first direct experience of this type of equipment may well be a unit that I buy. Not ideal, but I’m probably not the only one in this boat.
3. There are plenty of machines out there for $300 or so. I’m not interested in those. And there are the Galileos, Hypergravitys and so on that are $4000 and above. I can’t afford those. $1700 (the Vibraslim Euro price) is already a lot of money to spend on any single item. But it represents a *potentially* valid compromise based upon various claims and descriptions on the Vibraslim website (above). I know that I’m effectively asking you something that as a professional you can’t really answer, which is, does the Vibraslim Euro as it’s now made look like it’s worth $1700? It’s a naive question – I’m in software and I wouldn’t expect to say that one application is worth $100 or $1000. But it’s an honest question, and you know enough to give some substance to a response.
Thanks for any comment you can give and for all of the facts that you’ve put forward here. Though there are countless people selling vibration machines in the US, there seems to be virtually no knowledge of them in the general fitness arena, so it’s hard to get direct intelligent opinion.
Robert
It is almost 2 years after you post this and i just want to know if you get the vibra slim
and if the machine met your expectations
Came accross this today, I like how they use “Read up on official DKN Studies”
If you actually review the studies many I have seen before, relate to various types of vibration both Pivotal & Vertical but none of the studies were done using “DKN” equipment.
http://www.hl4y.com/dkn.htm
Bumping this up for Sophie who just phoned our office with some questions re: vitality600
Any other questions, feel free to contact us, or ask questions here, there are plenty of knowledgeable people who post here.
Cheers to Marge in Canada! We run a studio just outside of Calgary with Vibrogym Pro models which are lineal. I believe the Slimvibe is an oscillating. With the type of training you and your family are looking at it may be a challenge to find one machine to suit all your needs in the $1500 price range. If you want to chat email us at revibe@live.ca and we can suggest some Canadian distibutors for you.
Hi Sophie,
Typically,
Pivotal 5-30Hz & up to 13mm amplitude
Lineal 30-50Hz & up to 4mm amplitude
Thats quite generalised, so as others have said, have a look through the articles here and you will find some more info.
Feel free to contact me through our website, and I will gladly point you to some more literature.
Thanks Murray and Bree, from this site, you’ve saved me from two different lemons! I can’t believe how they can get away with it.
i’m still confused over hertz… the machine i’m interested in “hyper500″ highest frequency is 28hz but from what i’ve been reading here, it’s seems beneficial for some to go higher or is that just for supervised professional machines?
four people in my family plan on using my machine and we all have various reasons – some are weight loss, toning, arthritis and serotonin elevation, so i’m wanting a machine that covers most benefits.
if anyone has any knowledge, your opinions will be greatly valued.
thanks, sophie
I am in BC Canada and have a friend who has been using a vibration machine in a spa and loves it…has lost 11 inches in a few months. I am house bound so can’t go out to a spa or gym and am trying to find a good one for my home for around $2000.00 Canadian or less (all I can afford). There are 2 that I have found selling in our area…the PowerPlate and PULSE TRAINER. http://www.eurosportfitness.com/products.php?cat=Cardio&scid=5 After reading many posts and articles it seems that the Power Plate isn’t a good one to buy, so would this other one be ok? I’m so confused…
Yes it helps lots…thank you so much…there is a store in town selling the pulse trainer so I will go with that one…although the sales person didn’t really know much about it when my husband talked with him and that turned him off…
Hello Dawn,
The Pulse Trainer is built with technology that I am not familiar with. Perhaps someone can comment on their technology offering the possibility of two different vibration mechanism in one machine.
My concern is its range of amplitude max. 5mm makes this machine sounds powerful to me. However, it is small in size and weighs only 45 kg. It either do not generate much vibration energy (less amplitude that it claims especially with load) or it will dance around when it is switched on. Another point it disappointed me is that it does not provide information of its range of vibration frequency.
However, all the above negative comments from me are based only on reading their manuals.
You have to go trying it and other brands yourself in order to determine which one to purchase.
TC
Thanks for all the info and comments! We went to purchase one last night but got there a couple of hours too late to buy their last one…the salesman told us we could go to the competition and buy a PP or an Ironman….we decided to wait until they get more sometime in January…BTW, he said the Pulse Trainer was made in Taiwan…
I disagree with recommended frequencies for pivotal. There is good evidence from Galileo/Vibraflex researchers and my friend Yosef Johnson (one of the top oscillating researchers) that 25-27 Hz is the “peak” zone. And anything above 30 Hz is dangerous.
My Friend Yosef works closely with some top researchers including Cardinale and has dozens of case studies with the Galileo. He always uses between 25-27 Hz for 3 minutes to 10 minutes 3x a week. Even with the Geriatric patients.
On a pivotal, you dont have to decrease the frequency to make it easier, you can simply put your feet closer together for less torque.
I think you need to reconsider recommending only 15-22 Hz, as there is good evidence to suggest 25-27 yields better results (on pivotal).
bryant
FYI,
I Tested some of the “cheap” oscillating machines with a motion sensor that “claim” 0-50 hz, and they were no where near.
I think they were putting the Hz rating for the machine (AC outlet)…lol… seriously, the US standard outlet is 60 Hz but that is measuring the AC current from the Power Company. My tests show that cheap machines like crazy fit dont even reach 20 Hz in “mechanical” frequency. I find this humorous how misleading these companies actually are. In fact when a heavy person stands on these cheaper, the frequency can even go below 10 Hz (because of the cheap motor)… So the frequency seems to depend on the weight of the person also with these low end, cheap motor driven units.
My point with this post is that BEWARE of misleading specs on cheap imports.
Not even the Galileo or Vibraflex (Highest end Oscillating) goes up to 50 Hz.
Stand on a Galieo at 30 Hz and then turn a crazy fit/vibraslim/vibratrim up to their “so called” 50 Hz… NO WAY… You dont need a motion sensor…
And the Galileo is INCREDIBLY accurate with its frequency settings… you can actually dial in, say 27.1 Hz
So I guess the good news is that these cheaper units dont reach the high frequencies, the bad news for them is that the frequencies may actually be too weak with motors that “burn out” easily, especially for heavier users.
Yosef had quite a bit of “hands on” experience. Perhaps not as much as you on a day to day basis, but he worked with people that had
1) Osteopenia
2) Urinary Incontinence
3) Peripheral Neuropathy
4) and Geriatric Patients
He had folders full of case studies and even before and after bone density scans.
He worked in a professional clinic that had a Medical doctor on staff also.
So I think he is qualified to be considered an expert in the field.
And there is good evidence that 25-27 Hz is the “ideal” range for pivotal.
Yes you will benefit from slighty lower, but define slightly lower? If you are talking only one or two hertz, I agree that is negligible, but say 10 -15 Hz, that is on the low end. Not to say that you will not experience benefit, just not as much.
And as you know with pivotals, unlike lineal, the placement of the feet determines the amount of torque you experience. So having your feet nearly together, even at 25-27 Hz, is really easy. Place them further out, it becomes more challenging. The point here is you can work with foot placement to make the session easier or harder while maintaining the peak frequency range.
bryant
I share the noblerex k1 ( my site is http://www.myk1.com )and have gotten really great results.
The Amplitude is about 13 mm from low to high and the frequency ranges 7-28 Hz.
Its not as solid as Galileo/Vibraflex but for Under $5000 its the best pivotal I tested.
My question to you is, based on your experience, what frequencies are best for
1) Muscle Growth
2) Bone Density
and any other parameters you tested.
I am very open to hearing what you have to say and perhaps I can offer better recommedations for certain conditions.
But in defense of the 27 Hz Theorists, my friend Yosef had hands on results for bone density, peripheral neuropathy and urinary incontinence.
Though is depth of knowledge is not on par with your (especially in building the machines), there is no question it was working fabulously for those conditions using 25-27 Hz. He only researched those 3 conditions specifically.
Interestly, in his 6 month studies with bone density, at about 3 months the patients noticed a “decrease” BUT in every case after 6 months, the density increased and he has a 90% success rate reversing osteopenia (precursor to osteoporosis) COMPLETELY.
Perhaps he could have gotten even better results at lower frequencies, perhaps not, but I think further exploration is warranted by your findings and I will pass on to him what you are sharing here.
Thanks for your detailed response, it will be helpful to potentially many people
Bryant
Hi–I have been reading info on wbv equipment and am thoroughly confused. Do I want a pivotal or lineal? I thought I wanted a triangular oscillating one and then I read about one that went up and down, back and forth and side to side, but read that might do physical damage over time. My husband and I are in our 60′s. I have fibromyalgia and injuries have left bad knees and low back problems. Despite this, We used wbv equipment in a health club called 5R Health. It resolved a frozen shoulder for which surgery was prescribed, got rid of cellulite, increased my stamina and my blood work was better than that I had done 9 months prior to beginning exercise at the health club. To make a long story short, the health club went out of business and I can find no other club where i live using wbv equipment. I would like to get a home unit without spending a small fortune. For my
purposes, would I want a pivotal or lineal machine and how do I know which is which–just go by the Hz advertised? What is triangular oscillating? What is the difference between a therapy machine and a training machine? Is Lifespam more of a therapy machine? Their machine goes in 3 directions, so will it do damage to joints etc. over time? Can you recommend 2 or 3 companies or machines? I found that I can’t trust most of what is presented on the internet. Even one supposed wholesale company sold a
machine and when I contacted the home company was told that they don’t make wbv equipment, so someone was “stealing” the name of this company. I can’t find a website with a price for vibro gym, so I don’t know if it is within my price range. I would appreciate any assistance. Thank You
Correction….
Technical specifications:
Maximum power: 0.75HP
Power consumption: up to 500W
Speed range: 20 or 30 or 50 or 99 levels are available
Amplitude: 0 to 10mm
Frequency: 0 to 9 REPS/S
So it is official Max Fq = 9HZ
Based on my experience with unit, including stripping them down, and putting my accelerometer on them. I have tested over 6 brands.
Hi there.
I purchased a Crazy Fit Vibrating Platform,very similar, if not the same, as the one in the photo posted. The price through E-bay was 350 all together. This was 5 months ago. We use the machine at an net average time of 50 min every day, and lately it has startd to do make a hitting noise. This noise you can be avoided by repositionong your weight on the platform. It seems there is a gap between levers due to some faulty design and the quality of the parts used. we are in terms of changing it or having it fixed as it is still covered. We don´t feel cheated, because we know the prices of similar machines in the market. I think it´s a matter of the quality of the parts. I still enjoy and work out every day, and if the machine lasts for 3 or 4 years more I think my money is well invested.
I am both a consumer and a health industry service provider. I am going to have to say how disappointed I am to discover the mark-up on these fitness items. I was shocked to discover that even the machine that is labeled the ‘Vibrogym Pro’ here in Australia, sells for a mere $1000 or so on that site per piece. What justification does any one/company have for marking these machines up 900 or 1000% ?
We all have to make a living, but maybe I am old fashioned and behind the times, but greed is not a trait that I hold highly. I give a service for a fee, and my fee is considered a fair one, being maybe at the lower end of what others charge for the same service, and is regulated not officially, but by how much the public can afford to receive mental/physical health assistance.I am not in my industry to become wealthy, I am making a living doing a service I like to offer.
I have been reading this site for a couple of years now, and am only now ready to purchase a machine, with hopefully enough knowledge to make an informed choice, but I now realize, that no matter which one I choose, I am likely paying far too much for it, compared to what it is worth — be it one that is deemed to be a good one or not.(I am interested in the Pulse Trainer Pro).
All I can say is that these machines, should be available to those with incomes from lower to higher, and not only for the ‘elite’ who have $10-20,000 spare, when they only cost about $1000.
Just as an aside, I purchased a Vitality 600 a couple of years ago, from TVSN, before I read this site, and fortunately for me, it never worked. In fact it shorted my power every time I turned it on. I sent it back and got a refund with not one pivotal movement at all.
I am also shocked to think these people who have this model marketed on that site have sold a million of these in that time, mainly because when you do the math, it makes for very wealthy people at the business end, which when seeing the markup, is ethically and morally downright disgusting.
I saw another piece of equipment on the Alibaba site, that sells per piece for around $40, which sells here in Australia for at least $350. So, my guess is that this is a standard ripoff that is going on in the fitness equipment industry.
I would like to have my faith in humanity restored of course in many areas, but in this one, would be a nice beginning, seeing that fitness and health are so important for the wellbeing of all humans on this planet.
Robyn
…not the real photo of it…..
I see.
I was sent a some photos by the trader, of two models, one being touted as the same as the Vibro-gym Professional, and included were the specs as well.
I will await the results of the testing.
Robyn
Hi Robyn,
Just a quick line to stoke the fire a little.I personally met a ex sales person and employee of Power Plate who told me that as employees thay were allowed to purchase the pro 5 air adaptive model at cost.The price was app.1,100GBP the retail here is over 8,000GBP.You are right we the public are being whole heartedly screwed!!
Sorry Robyn, seems you got “lost in the system” somehow. Left a message for you and sent an email. Sometimes gets a little difficult to keep on top of it whilst working on the road.
thankyou for all your help. ITS TO LATE BUT I THINK I NOW KNOW I HAVE MADE A BIG MISTAKE I PAY $11oo for a pice of plastic!! THE TUBE SHAKES SO MUCH IF I DON’T HOLD IT. ITS IMPOSSIBLE TO LET GO OF IT.
I CANT AFFORD THE OTHER BETTER BUT MUCH AXPANSIVE MACHINE THEY HAVE, SOW IM STACK WITH THIS ONE. OR CAN CHIANGE IT; WITH THE VIVRO DISC,OR THE 600. WHAT DO YOU THINK I SHOLD DO? I WISH I COLD GET MY MONEY BACK
I WULD GET THE MACHINE BIG LOOSER USES.
BUT I CAN’T! WHAT DO IDO? I GOT IT MANLY BECOUSE I LIKE TO LOOSE SUME WEGTH AND IM NOT SURE WELL HELP ME. I CANT FIND FEED BACK OF EANY ONE WHO HAS USED IT. PLEASE HELP!! APLEASE AXCUSE MY MISTAKES BUT THIS IS NOT MY NATIVE LANQUAGE. KIND REGARDS
Hi i ben reading all your comment. i wish i got all this information before i got my machine. BUT THE IM CONFUSED
I saw the 600 video it looked very slow compared to how my 700 wich vabrete very much AND YOU CAN HARDLY SE IT TILTIN just don’t like when the top of the tube vibrate a lot probably this is normal on this machine! but if i hold it its ok. Im still a bit nevous to gow with the pogramm.i find it to powerfol saw i do it manual live it on speed 12 20 20 or 30 . i find from 50 to 60 a bit scarry. i hold firm to the tube handle. I bend my knee and then i put my hands on it to vibrate my arms, and chest
could that be heortifol? reading your investigations mackes me think that they can’t be good??
But they proclaim to have the best in the world. i got my from elite in australia it is a very well known company that sale this machines for them. that is whay i got it. i trasted them. they sed i got one of the best machine. NOT THAT I BELIVED BUT I WAS HOPING COULD BE TRUE ANTIL I READ YOUR WEB.
COULD THE VIBRATION OF THE POGRAMMES HEORT ME? IM AGE OVER 50. PLEASE HELP ME WITH MOORE INFORMATION .
I TRAST YOU MOORE THEN OTHERS. THANKYIU KINDLY.
Can anyone please tell me which PowerPlate is the steel one…
Im looking to buy a lineal machine.. and i keep coming back to the power plate, but have gotten confussed by the whole steal plastic thing in here.
is it only the commercial ones??
Also one last question.. WHy is it lineal machines are sooooo much more expensive than pivitol?
Thankyou for that
Working my way through it all
I have spent a lot of time browsing the information on this site and I have found it most informative and useful. Thank you! That said… I am a little confused…
I live in Toronto and attended the National Home Show this last week and saw the Euro Body Shaper product featured at a booth and on-sale for $1299 (versus $1799 US + Shipping on the euroshine site):
http://www.euroshine.com/EuroBodyShaper.htm
What shocked me is that this items looks just like the one that is pictured in the “Here’s how you are getting cheated” thread. Is this product good quality/value for the money? (I know this is a loaded question.)
I am recovering from a Car accident from years ago and thought a unit like this might help me get back on the path to improving various aspects of my health – muscle back/neck soreness/stiffness, general loss of stregnth, weight loss help potential, etc… I sit at a desk all day and have struggled with trying to get to the gym where all I fell well enough to do is cardio on the elliptical trainer. I know I need to do more exercise in general but spend too much time resting/sedentary so that I feel re-charged enough for work.
Do you advise that a machine like this (Euro Body Shaper) is worth it for my situation (assuming you have enough info), or do you advise going to some stores locally and get further advice? (If so, where do you advise I go in the Greater Toronto Area to see these machines?) I am hoping not to spend a fortune and that is why I saw the price of this unit appealing. And, I tried it and felt that it has good potential to help….but… maybe a $1000 more brings me to a whole different level/quality machine?
I probably would have bought the machine if I didn’t see this article… but then again that was before I did homework on the subject like I am doing by submitting my comment.
Your advice would be appreciated?
Thx
Target budget of $2500 (or less). I am not so interested in fancy bell/whistle features but like quality and useful functionality nonetheless. To give you a car metaphor… I like Lexus cars but also appreciate the great quality/value of Toyota. In my case, a good quality Toyota will do for me. Because I don’t know the market for the vibration machines, I wouldn’t have a sense for Toyota-like quality/feature product and pricing. If you feel that my budget doesn’t make sense, please advise.
From a requirements standpoint… i really would like to utilize the machine for therapeutic value (i.e. massage like benefits) and to help strengthen myself physically overall, and lose weight. I am near 50yo and 230+ lbs.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
What would be the machine that is 2K more that will also serve for workouts? Locally = ships to Canada….what about retail stores… or am I out of luck to find a retail outlet/store in the Greater Toronto Area?
Thanks for your assistance.
Robyn,
Regarding the replica vibrogym, we have contacted the manufacturer and confirmed a price of 1280usd. The machine is a replica and you can tell straight away by the platform grip, the real vibrogyms have grooves cut out of the grip 2 on either side. I have seen Dan Fivey using this machine on youtube. Has he sunk that low? My personal experience with chinese electronics is not good.
Do you trust the guys at Vibradepot. I came accross them a while ago and did contact them to confirm where the Farfalla machine was manufactured. Not sure if the guy was on his game but he advised it was manufactured in Italy. I found the same unit (and almost all other machines they list on Alibaba and most if not all were manufactured in china. They also have alot of tri-plan. machines.
Marketing Alert….
The industry has just sunk to a new low. Watching TVSN Foxtel just now, I caught a glimpse of Vitality for Life’s latest marketing angle.
In October last year, Australian newspapers reported the Galileo being used in a world first study at the Westmead Childrens Hospital. Vitality For Life have seen this is an opportunity and have very “generously” donated a crazy fit style unit to the hospital. Can’t say that is suprising….
However, what is sickening about that, is that a doctor from the hospital has graciously accepted this piece of junk for the cameras, and what appears to be children from the hospital are using it. TVSN claims they are using them for weight loss and diabetes.
I wonder if the doctors are aware that a machine working at 9Hz cannot activate the stretch reflex?
I wonder if the doctors at the hospital are aware that Vitality For Life provide information such as…
“*In the discussion of vibration, we refer to the speed of vibration as a measurement called Hertz (Hz), and the force of the vibration as amplitude. The Hz measurement is applicable to linear platforms only; oscillating platforms are measured by amplitude. Research has found that low amplitude vibrations are best for humans; however, the human response to Hz differs from person to person. The research we have studied suggests that vibrations in the 12 to 60 Hz range have many beneficial effects although the above 40 Hz range is more suitable for serious athletes.”
Are they aware that Vitality For Life promote exercises such as the “advanced twist”.
Is there really any excuse for not being aware of this? Where is the input from Galileo to these doctors?
With regards to Vitality For Life. It was recorded tonight and I can confirm the following….
The presenter Peter Mason mentions that himself, TVSN, and Vitality For Life caught last years article on the Galileo in the Sun Herald. He does not name the Galileo, but rather says it was a $5000 machine.
So they thought, wouldn’t it be great to donate a unit to the hospital (rolls eyes). Standing outside the hospital, Peter mentions that the machine will be used to help with weight loss.
Last night I assumed they had a doctor accept the machine, however, from what I gather they are standing inside the hospital in a section described as “the kids activity research centre” and the gentleman who accepts is introduced only as “Craig”.
So possibly not a doctor, but at the least, appears to be some representative of the hospital.
Next shot shows a young girl on the machine in the same building.
Finally, back in the studio Peter mentions that when they were leaving that day, they were approached by 2 doctors who asked them how they can get some more of these machines. Apparantly an arrangement has been made between Vitality For Life owner Roger Akins, and the hospital, where further units will be placed into the hospital. Peter Mason then goes on to say that TVSN will be running further stories on the Childrens Hospital and the Vitality For Life machines later this year.
From the newspaper article, the lead researcher is named as “Craig Munns from the department of endocrinology and diabetes”. A search of the Westmead Childrens Hospital website and the only page which mentions Whole Body Vibration, also reveals a “Dr Craig Munns MBBS, PhD, FRACP Conjoint Senior Lecturer (U Syd)”
Looks like it is likely that the guy who accepted the machine from Vitality For Life is Dr Craig Munns, who is also the lead researcher from the Galileo study.
Something stinks in the Childrens Hospital at Westmead.
Hi Guys,
Have spend two hours researching vibration training and really want to congratulate you on the objective and informative info you provide to someone comletely new to the topic.
Question for anyone in the know: I had a trial today at a place called ‘Vibromania’ in Melbourne CBD. I have also just located another gym in the CBD – ‘Vibrabody’ Given that it seems there may be some dodgy people out there – I thought I would ask if either of these places are known to you?
PS. My main focus is weigh loss – I have lost 8 kilos with diet nmodification and walking but feel I need something more – I like the benefits that vibration training is offering holistically. Can anyone help?
Thanks in advance
Hi Simone,
vibromania = fitvibe
vibrabody = vibrogym
I have little experience with these machines, but from what I gather both are good machines. I have seen studios in Melbourne try to use machines much worse than these 2, so you have managed to avoid the duds.
for those in the toronto area who are looking for a quality machine with local support i have found remington medical. they are distributors of the fitvibe line of equipment. The medical line is all steel (note it does have a smaller platform than the other offerings). I can report that I am more than happy with the machine and the individuals with who I worked in making this purchase (robert – owner and philip – salesperson). This is a first rate organization and an opportunity to purchase other than cheap chinese imitations or the power plate
Hello there,
I leave in England and am trying to decide between a BodyShaker (home version, second hand but with light use), an oscillating plate such as LUXVIBE II or a DKN – Pro Evolve Vibration Platforma that I can get in England. I have even considered the Vibro-station.
I am interested in a machine that improves lymphatic and blood circulation, tone and if I can get rid of a few kilos that would be a bonus. I am not big (around 60kilos) so maximum weight is not an issue.
I would gratefully receive any suggestion.
Many thanks
Vassi
Thank you very much for getting back to me and for your generous advice.
I really spent hours and hours reading your pages, but I obviously missed the one with all the fake names and specs! I took it for an Italian brand, sold by guys in France. Have a look at their page http://www.world-slim.com// Good marketing but something did not look quite right. You cant call them. Only contact via email and no explanations about where the machine was made or similar stuff! A disgrace! Do you think that these machines will help with lymphatic and blood circulation?
Here’s my letter and reply
Dear Ms Paxton
I was extremely disheartened to see that your hospital has accepted a gift of a Vitality for Life vibration platform. I wonder if you are aware that using a poor quality Vibration Machine can be potentially very dangerous, particularly when combined with an unsafe program and less than honest marketing. They are not toys and everything about them should be taken seriously.
I believe that you have accepted a quick freebie at the cost of your childrens health and are risking their safety to promote a machine that has not been endorsed by the International Vibration Training Regulatory Body which is a voluntary group I belong to that gets machines tested before the public get to use them and promotes ethics .
Prior to opening my vibration training studio I worked at The Childrens Hospital School at Great Ormond St in London for 4 years. I am well aware of the companies and celebrities who wish to use the hospital as a quick and easy way to gain some publicity. At Great Ormond Street we went to great pain to ensure that the visit or gift would actually be of benefit to our children and that the company/ celebrity had their best intentions at heart. I think it is extremely disappointing that you did not take time to do your own research on vibration training before accepting and endorsing such a machine.
Vibration training on a good quality machine using a safe programme has a myriad of health benefits many on which I have witnessed first hand in my own customers. The vibration training industry looks forward to seeing the technology being used more in hospitals so that research and evidence can prove the efficacy of the machines. However if research is done on machines that do not fit their purpose the results will bring our industry into disrepute.
I hope that you will do some more research into this and are able to use vibration training in the hospital in a way that will genuinely benefit your children.
Yours sincerely
Philippa Church
Dear Phillipa
Thankyou for your email. we received a similar complaint last week. The matter is being looked into by Kate Hurle in our governance unit
Kind regards
Gilly
That’s super. I will look forward to the article.
Wondering about the quality of a unit from DZT fitness in Vancouver, Canada. I do not mind the ‘therapy’ aspect of a lower cost lighter machine, I like the massage. However I do have concerns over safety, wearing on hip joints on a pivotal machine. I cannot tell if it is damaging or not, how much should the plate travel vertically in the pivot? Is the DZT portable a good, safe unit if used properly? Just purchased one, am not overweight at all but want to do the right thing with my body.
Thanks
Jade
I have tried the machine without the handle bars, it does not go up to 50hz. The display says 50, the book says its 50 and the sales rep will say its 50.
Compared to the Vibraflex units I have run, these machines feel more like the 25 hertz range at there max setting of 50.
On a side note, if it did go up to 50 hertz there would be no physical way to stand on the plate. The lift created by this pivotal plate would be too much, and the plate movement too fast, the feet would loose contact and the user would fall off.
The VT-7 starts at 15Hz (at speed 1) and goes up to 45Hz (at speed 50).
This can not be right, it must be false advertising. Can anyone confirm this?
While researching machines, I noticed that the Chinese company that makes the Crazy Fit also shows a unit that looks exactly like the VibroGym Professional, and the specs are identical.
VibroGym claims to be built in the Netherlands, but it seems odd that Wangxin would build the exact machine unless they were doing so under contract. Not to say that they didn’t build a knock off on their own, that definitely happens. But given the obvious cost advantages of off-shoring products like this, it would be very tempting for VibroGym to do so. I’m just wondering if they did.
Thoughts?
Ah…makes sense. Thanks for the details.
They quoted $1280 (US) with a minimum order quantity of 2 units. Considerably more than the Crazy Fit, but obviously far less than the VibroGym. At those prices, one could toss the machine out every 6 months and still be doing pretty good…if the specs were accurate.
I have no problem paying big money for a good unit, IF vibration training ends up suiting me. Problem is that I have no access to a proper training machine, and therefore no sense of what I may be committing myself to.
Hypergravity has a new version of their personal unit that seems very nice…for a bit over $4k. A very reasonable cost if I can achieve my goals, but a very bitter pill for a unit that ends up unused. A sufficient unit at a considerably lower cost is far easier to justify for an unknown, but likely ends up wasted if (when) you end up upgrading.
I think that if I were able to spend some time on a training grade machine and could prove to myself that WBV is within my tolerance and discipline, I would’ve already bought a quality unit.
Decisions, decisions…
Robert – are there no studios/ good gyms with a good machine that you can try out? Even one that’s a bit of a trek so that you can try a machine once or twice? Definitely worth seeing what it’s about before you choose.
I am seriously considering Hypergravity, and flying out to California to spend some time with them. Tickets are quite cheap now, as are hotels if you book through Priceline, so that seemed like an obvious answer.
Given the cost of a good machine, and the significance of the potential life changes, I think it is well worth the time and investment to become well educated.
It seems that the quality of the machine isn’t really a question, Hypergravity seems to be well respected by most folks around here. The big question for me is whether vibration training fits me, and I think that can only be answered by trying it. I really hope the answer is ‘yes’.
Robert – where are you?
Tennessee.
Hello to all,
I’m considering the purchase of a WBV unit, linear. I’m from Canada, so much less choices but I have narrow down my choice to the Hypergravity Total Vibe and the new Wave Contour home unit. Both seems to be good machines. Can you advice on this and or highlight the major differences for the overall quality and potential of those two units? I have found many references and comment on the Hyper but not much on the Wave. I’m not concern about the programs or remote. Manual is fine with me. I’m looking for good quality unit that can support my running training and overall health. Many thanks !
Kym Jones Exhibitions, have denied consumers a choice of vibration machines from the upcoming Sunday Mail Home Show in Adelaide. Opting instead, to show visitors only the low speed pivotal, Health Station.
Suppliers of this machine claim…
- The vibrations cause rapid reflexive muscle actions at rates of 25-50 times per second.
- your body can burn up to 350 calories in a 10-15 minute session.
- Fat burning and toning
- Just by standing on the machine you can lose inches, tone up and improve your strength and flexibility.
- Decreases the appearance of cellulite
- and because 10 to 15 minutes spent on the Health Station replaces 1 hour in the gym, you can stay fit and healthy and still have time to do the things you love!
I am sure any customers suffering from buyers remorse, will be very appreciative of the decision made by the event organizers.
I had an interesting chat with the ACCC yesterday.
They were interested to know about this situation.
Besides therapy vibration machines, Exception Enterprizes sell….
hand bags
massage cushions
mops
pillows
vacuums
pens
dryer balls
chamois
You really know you are buying from a Whole Body Vibration industry leader, when you know they also sell steam mops.
The booklet which came with the machine says:
Amliptude: 0-10mm
this means nothing to me… does it mean anything to you..? Dont see anything about Fq range…please forgive my ignorance.
in this booklet it does clearly state:
‘high ocilliating speed range
For weight loss, use the platform between 4-8 times per day for a duration of between 10-20 mins on a lower speed’
Funny though that the above statement seems to contradict itself!
Another section of the same booklet says its ok to use it every day.. which again, seems to be what earlier posts i have read advise against….
These days its hard to know what to believe, who to trust and to know what is good for us and what is harmful!
Any help would be gratefully received
(p.s. although weight loss would be nice, I didnt buy this machine as a miracle cure, but to supplement cardio and strength training which I already do)
Hi, please excuse my seemingly already answered question .. but I have read so much on the web these last few days about vibration platforms that I am feeling more than a little bamboozled!
I recently bought a vitality 600 machine from TVSN.. and am now concerned about some of the posts… are these machines actually dangerous to use..? If so, is there some way I can find recourse against TVSN..?
I feel lost and am starting to feel a little stupid for having bought this machine on a whim.. expecting that such a public ‘place’ such as TVSN would only sell a reputable machine.
I am based in Melbourne but only recently moved to Australia so wasnt aware of more reputable retailers (yes, stupid I know.. after reading a post elsewhere where Di asked the poster why they hadnt researched BEFORE making their purchase!).
Thanks folks
I’m now very confused. Can you get a commercial vibration machine for weight loss, bone density and general toning for average people – not an atheletic team, for $1500- per machine.
Is T-zone vibration machines the same as the ones from slimvibes, and how would you ever know?
Thanks
Joyce
Some months I found a Vibraflex gym and I tried it… I was delighted, they are marvelous machines! But sadly, the gym closed. Know I am looking for something similar. I just found a Crazy Fitness gym. I also tried it and noticed that the machines are kind of different and the vibration do feels different. So, I have some questions:
1) Could you please tell me if Crazy Fitness machines are effective and secure?
2) With vibraflex, we did different exercises with weight lifting, elastic bands,etc., but with crazy fitness you just stand at the machine in different positions… does that is effective? I can’t belive that just standing there can help. I expected to feel my muscles hurt a little the day after, but I felt nothing.
3) I have the opportunity to do other kind of exercise, such as body combat and dance lessons instead of crazy fitness. Would it be convenient to leave those exercises so I can go to Crazy Fitness gym? Does it worth it?
Thanks a lot for your help!!
Anyone here owned a Galileo for a while. How durable are they ?
The gym form vibra max has just been advertised on New Zealand TV with the usual sales pitch. Does anyone have any info good or bad on this particular product. I don’t want my desperation to loose weight to cloud my judgement.
The gym form vibromax machines are a rip off. You can buy them off trademe from dissatisfied people for as low as $40 . They also go by the name of crazyfit and other weird names. Same factory in China makes them.
Find a cplace that does not sell machines and ask for their advice.
I just wanted to make the comment that even though a lot of the machines look just alike. I know for a fact that there is a difference in quality. I bought a machine from one company and it came and was totally junk. They sent me another one which was also totally junk. I got a refund and bought from another company. The machines looked almost identical but the quality was as different as day and night. Make sure the company you buy from has at least a two year warranty on everything and even longer on the motor.
Ho hum, vibration machines… Yes, folks, here was dudded big time. Don’t get me wrong, I am all for them and recently have taken up a 10 session program with a local gym.
However, I tried to buy a brand name high-ticket and high profile WBV machine from Asia, and looked and looked for the manufacturers if I could find them, to help save me the thousands of dollars mark-up I know goes with the marketing hype. My budget was $2000-$2500 AU. I found a company offering all kinds of fitness equipment from mats and balls to juicers, yet they also advertised these machines. Not on Alibaba but on another Asian storefront where many business offer wares (do not have the name here now). After emails back and forth, we eventually sent a bank transfer to an account, and LO! never received a machine. The supposed company, the Yudi Store was in Jakarta, Indonesia, and I think there may still be a storefront somewhere. Long and short of it — no machine, no followed-up emails, and when an Indonesian friend checked their address, it was a house, not a company. The phone nos were not listed in Indonesia. The bank here could not help. Buyer beware.
Sorry to hear that Viridian,
You do hear of this kind of practice from time to time. As a supplier of WBV machines, I can tell you that most companies would have agreements in place with manufacturers which prevents the manufacturer selling their brand to anyone other than themselves. There would also likely be agreements in place whereby a distributor in one country cannot sell into another. With that in mind, trying to source a brand name machine from a manufacturer or from a foreign country is usually looking for trouble. Not only will you open yourself up to scammers like those in your case, but there are also a number of conterfeit machines doing the rounds too.
Glad to hear it hasn’t dissuaded you from using WBV.
Rita
2 21 2011
Murray
I need your advice regarding the vibr slim euro plate model please
I found manny favorable reports on their website and they provide a lot of information..best warranty in motor, videos, and second place in buyers guide report. i can’t find any gym with that brand to try it and that is the one in my price range….seems like this brand is in the market for a while….can someone could tell me about your persoal experience? I don’t want to buy a machine at this price without prior advice
.i saw a post here by robert on jun 1 2008 with the same questions about the same brand but can’t find any answer.
i would apreciate any comments.
Vibration Platform 900watt 17 different speed levels with 5 programmes built in.
I had a car accident some time ago and have been told by my physio that i have to strengthen my core muscles. Would this machine help me with this? They are asking for $999 AUD
Hi Jocelyn,
The machine you’ve linked to is the GoFit Platinum. This machine was tested and included in our engineers report last year. Download the report here:
http://www.hypervibe.com.au/engineers_report.pdf
When the machine reached maximum speed level 17, it was measured to produce just 9.86Hz. A maximum peak acceleration measurement was taken of just 1.84g’s, making it the least powerful machine of the 18 machines included in our tests.
To the best of my knowledge, there is no evidence that using a machine like the GoFit will provide any strengthening benefits. Research points to both higher frequency and higher acceleration for improved strength.
Where are you based? We can probably point you towards a nearby physio who uses a decent Whole Body Vibration platform, where you can learn more.
I am thoroughly confused…..which is the most efficient and durable, yet most cost effective, piece of equipment to purchase, primarily for weight loss and toning? Can someone recommend a website to purchase it from? I was hoping to keep the price at $1,000 or below. I am an average size female and live in Florida.
Thank you sooo much for your input and advice
Lynn,
Sorry for the confusion. Unfortunately, there is no evidence to support that the benefits you mentioned can be obtained with a platform in that price range. The best you can do is purchase a cheap platform and use it for circulation and balance training. Not sure how long it will run before breaking however. “Durable” and “efficient” are not synonymous with low end platforms.
For the benefits of weight loss and toning, with consideration of efficiency and durability, you are going to spend a minimum of $2500-$2600. This would be the Hypervibe (one of the four pivotal platforms supported on this site). If you are interested, look at http://www.hypervibe.us. Lineal platforms are also an option, but they start at 4K and go up from there.
I was just at a derox spa in California called We Care. They have thr Vibratrim. Does anyone have experience with this brand? Thank you.
Hi Lucy,
Once again, a low quality unit with low acceleration. Having that been said, for spa purposes (massage, circulation etc.), it can help. For muscle toning and strengthening, weight loss etc., have no expectations. Not supported on this forum.
I have spent hours trying to find a vibration machine to help me combat osteoporosis. I think I should use an oscillating machine (is this the same as pivotal?) I have read about the Noblerex K1 but I have to order from AMERICA. Also Galileo (expensive).
I want a reasonably priced machine (about £1,500 maximum) which I can buy in Britain.
Can someone who is knowledgeable about machines to combat osteoporosis please please send me some information. I would be most grateful.
Yiannoulla
Yiannoulla,
You are correct in the relationship between pivotal vibration platforms and osteoporosis research. Although the Vibrogym (lineal) has looked at this subject, the majority of the research is performed on the Galileo/Vibraflex. The studies are available on my website under “research”..subsection “osteoporosis”.
We have listed the platforms that have been verified on this site. They are the Galileo/Vibraflex, Maxuvibe, Globus Physioplate, and the Hypervibe. None of these, unfortunately, are in your price range. The closest one is the Hypervibe which is $2600 USD.
Note that the Noblerex is NOT supported on this forum as it cannot acheive the acceleration levels supported by the research.
Let us know if you need any further information.
OK, bit of a rant today.
There is question, no doubt about the accuracy of Displacement claims on vertical platforms.
I was at a mall today where a retailer has the Wave Pro-Elite for sale. This is a 12k machine. I have seen recent posts elsewhere advising of a displacement of approx 3mm on a lesser unit the Wave Contour Plus. I have personally been on both these units and have questioned the displacement before as I found both to be very weak in direct comparison to a Vibrogym Pro.
Today, I got a Legal sized clip board, a piece of paper, pencil and tough tape. I taped the pencil to the platform securely so the tip extended past the plate and put the paper on the clip board. The goal was to be able to visualize the displacement. I realize this is a poor man’s test and can be better verified with an accelerometer but this is what I got. To create the visual I used 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 & 50 hertz testing unloaded.
On low amplitude the pencil barely even made a mark, in fact I had to apply a little pressure to indent a mark. When I measured this mark it was a low fraction of 1mm. On high amplitude I was able to get a better representation and it marked the paper but again at less than or I could give them 1mm. No wonder the machine feels so weak..
Now, this was on the most expensive machine they sell… What are the chances that the less expensive models they sell put out more than the Pro-Elite? Using the tool here http://www.hypervibe.ca/frequency_specific_vibration.php and the rough data we have I was able to input 50hz and there max amplitude of 1mm and got 5G.. That’s the max, again based on rough data.
Try this at home, you can do it on any vertical machine, get the tools I mentioned and test your own machine.
I tested the Vibrogym pro unloaded as well. Across the board using low amplitude I got 2mm, this is consistent with their claims. On High it changed slightly, at 30hz I got 4mm, 35hz measured just under 4 so let’s say 3.5mm, 40 measured at 3mm and 50 was 3mm as well..
Using the above noted calculator, and again the maximum frequency of 50hz and 3mm we see a load effect of 15G.
These machines retail for about the same amount of money in Canada but they do not match even remotely from a G-Load factor at all..
If you have a Pro-Elite or any vertical platform I would love to see how your’s compares. Go ahead and give it a try and let me know what you were able to see!
Follow up to displacement test. Deb could’nt make it this round.
We had a question regarding the results when the machine is loaded (someone on it).
Did the same thing, pre-calibrated the unit for myself (160lbs) and found – Low Amp under 1mm, High was 1mm. Have to note there was a change in the low amplitude results with load, bladder inflated then compressed improved the quality of the displacement mark.
The owner of this machine was told it was capable of higher displacements as well.. I’ve seen recent comments stating somewhere around 3mm, well what is it? Now we have a better idea. Back around the time of the Vancouver Olympics I had heard chatter of 2-4mm. I believe in a reasonable margin of error but this would exceed my expectations.
I know very well what 2 & 4 mm feels like on a vertical platform. I’ve tried many over the years and have a Vibrogym Pro I’ve used for over 4 years. Most consumers are not in this position. None of the vertical platforms I’ve been on to date including Powerplates big boy even come close to that machines load capability.
Are you getting what you thought you paid for? If you were looking for a training machine. Validated specifications should be mandatory in your search. Companies telling you it’s not necessary or just a marketing ploy that are unable or unwilling to provide there own should be questioned in my opinion. What are they trying to hide, or just not bring up?
Has anyone tried a “Platinum Body Shaper” by myhealthandbeautyconnection.com?
Hi John,
I do not know much about this machine. It may appear in the engineering report as another “underperfomer”. Perhaps Dan or Murray can comment on this as the report is not on the site at the moment. What I can say is that it is not verified nor involved in any published research. Therefore it is not supported on this forum and you are buying it at your own risk.
Appears this machine is manufactured by Zhejiang Bode Fitness Co., Ltd. in China and is Branded “Platinum Body Shaper” by myhealthandbeautyconnection.com? Don’t know if this is good or bad. Seems alot of the units are sold here are done that way. Price from manufacturer is 300.00 but you have to buy 20 units to get them. Don’t know what is involved in shipping and customs, cost wise. LIst in US for 2995.00 can buy for 1495.00.
Hi John.
The machine you have referenced is similar to the Health Station in our Exposed report. Please visit http://www.hypervibe.us/report.php to obtain a copy. It is a dual mode machine and the one you have referenced doesn’t state what type of vibration platform it is, vertical/pivotal or both? This is the Australian version which does state the spec’s and are accurate based on tests with the exception of displacement, but they may have tweaked it since our test. http://vibrationtrainer.com.au/platinum.php#prod
Let me know if I can assist further.
Does anyone know anything about the Health Station Platinum, and if it really works????
Hi Maggie.
What are you wanting to use it for?
Please see the last few comments above this post. Rhe Health Station was just discussed.
hello I am in perth west australia and am looking to just hire a vibration machine for a few months as i cant afford to buy a good one and dont want to get ripped off, I suffer from osteoarthritis in my back and neck, have marked degeneration of a disc at C5-C6 and am overweight hoping to lose some weight as I am unable to do many exercises due to injury, I was looking at buying a Go fit platinium until I read the reviews of it… The ones I can hire are a VT-12 Whole Body Vibration Exercise Machine for $395 for 4 months or a VPR 2 BODYSHAPER Vibration Plate for $110 per month. which one would you suggest would be best for my needs?? or are they both crap?? lol can you recommend somewhere else to hire from or any physio’s or health clubs I can use a good one at for not too much money? your advice would be much appreciated thanks corinne.
Hi Corinne,
If the platform is used for the neck and back pain, both of these are fine as the massage and flexibility effects are what you will be utilizing. If it is for strength training or weight loss purposes, don’t bother as I don’t believe that either of these will provide any major additional benefit to non-vibration training. Better of spending the money on a qualified trainer, yoga instructor or a physio to help create a thorough, safe home exercise plan for you.
Other than that, I am not sure any of our recommended platforms are an option for you. The cheapest is the Hypervibe. I do not know if it is available on a rental basis. Perhaps Murray can comment.
Hi Corinne,
Our company doesn’t hire out units, but some of our retailers do. I’m not aware of any that do this in Perth, however you might want to try Mieke at Good Vibrations Studios in Subiaco, she might be able to offer you a hire option.
Shop 1/202 Nicholson Rd
Subiaco
Ph: 0401 095 590
Has anyone tried gymform dual shaper?is it effective?
What’s the difference between that and the slender v shaper?
Thanks
Hi HJ,
These are an embarrasment to the fitness industry and of absolutely no value.
Purchased a Hypervibe recently and wow…quite a powerful showing. Was able to get a Nitrofit at a significant discount a month after my Hypervibe purchase, but Im left more with questions than answers. My understanding is that both platforms are manufactured at the same facility in China with manufacturing specs of the companies who order them. By all accounts, both products look nearly identical. Nitrofit advertises a max 30hz and max 13mm displacement, whereas Hypervibe claims 28hz max and 11mm displacement. As such, I had assumed that Nitrofit would be a slightly faster and more powerful machine. However, the Nitrofit, when I set it at its max speed of 30, felt about half the output of the Hypervibe at its max speed…how can there be such a huge discrepancy if Nitrofit has a purported higher max frequency and displacement? Is this a “misrepresentation” of their true outputs? Reported my concerns to the rep at Nitrofit and he wrote back: “The machines are produced in the same plant and should function similarly.” No…they don’t. Do you have any true measurements of the Nitrofit’s output as you have on other machines? Thanks!
Unfortunately Will, you have to purchase both machines to experience the differences in manufacturing quality. Also, the differences in performance. This is why Murray of Hypervibe ha spent so much time and money having engineers test other platforms. The only platform to perform as indicated (like the Hypervibe) is the Galileo.
I believe the results of the Nitrofit engineering test will be available soon. Thanks for the post.
Does this machine really work and you can lose weight?
The crazy fit is a weak, cheap pivotal platform that is unlikely to provide any additional benefits to regular exercises done without a platform. Consider it a really large, expensive massager. Good for circulation and perhaps balance training. Don’t waste your $$$$.
Hi, I’m from Perth, Western Australia. I have seen an advertisement for a RenoufHome Fitness Vibration Machine VPR 9 BODYSHAPER. I am curious about whether it is worth looking at. The advert states the machine has:
“Two motors, two movements … Both “Tilting” and “Circular” in the one machine.
Having two movements in the one machine allows you to better focus on either Toning, Increasing bone density, Blood circulation or Coordination.
•Two motors 1.5hp each
•Tilting movement Amplitude: 0-10mm
•Tilting movement Frequency: 5-15HZ
•Circular movement Amplitude: 0-2mm
•Circular movement Frequency: 15-40Hz
•Three Pre-set Exercise Programs
•Speed range levels 1-50
•Steel Frame and upright post
•Input: AC220-240V/50HZ
•Product weight: 31kg
•12 month warranty”
My Mum and I are both considering using it. How would these spec’s help in the health benefits they claim?
Hi Natalie,
It looks like they do a half decent job of promoting the specs, though here is my educated guess on the real specs…
The motors are almost certainly only 0.75hp each or less, the pivotal (tilting) specs would be accurate, and the lineal (circular) specs might be accurate when unloaded, but when you stand on the machine the amplitude will reduce to around 1mm.
As to the benefits they claim…..
Here is the list taken from their website:
Fight cellulite
Injury recovery
Relaxation
Increased metabolism
Pain dampening
Increased circulation
Increased bone density
Increased muscle strength
Increased flexibility
Improved coordination
Reduced body fat
I’d reduce it to:
Fight cellulite (may provide some benefit via cellulite massage in lineal mode)
Injury recovery
Relaxation
Pain dampening (potentially for some people, with some conditions, although mostly this is anecdotal)
Increased circulation
Increased bone density
Increased muscle strength (minimal rehab benefits)
Increased flexibility
Improved coordination
Provided you are aware of this, and don’t have expectations of more than this, you could do much worse for the $695 I saw advertised on their website. Please note that I have no idea as to the manufacturing quality of this machine.
Thank you for the information Marray – you have been really helpful : )