12 Guidelines for Opening a WBV Studio
I first posted on this forum on June 13th.. Only 10 days later I wrote the following:
Sorry to hog the blog a bit here! Having started to look at getting a Vibration Plate for personal use I have got so excited about what they seem able to do that am seriously thinking about starting up a small studio here in the UK
Set up a studio I did, opening at the end of August 2008. So 11 months down the line, I thought Id share some of what I’ve learned for those thinking of doing the same!
The 3 Biggies
- Research your machines and check they are capable of being hammered day in day out.
- Ensure you have back up IVTRB membership if possible
- Get good training in the Safety Program and stick to it.
Some other points to consider.
- Find a good electrician who that will come out eve/ weekends and squeeze you in. Use any means to win them over! Our electrician was at times a lifesaver I owe him my mental health. Thank you Dick!
- If importing machines you will have to pay duties. In the UK you will need to pay 15% VAT and customs duties (value of machines and freight charge) and this includes lease machines. You will need to get a Pseudo turn number in advance so your machines can clear customs. (We were not aware of all this and got some horrid shocks!)
- Be aware if you buy/lease a good steel machine just how heavy they are. Our Vibra-trains took 5 men to lift and probably could have done with one or two more, so make sure you have organized man-power.
- Get a small back up machine if you can.
- Set your rules out and stick to them e.g. customers cant bring children with them, cancellations policy etc.
- Follow the Safety Program and be vigilant about making sure people dont deviate from it.
- Beware of too many bells and whistles on machines there is more to go wrong and more to confuse the customers!
- Delay timers will bring you serenity and calm.
- Look for machines with variable time setting 1-3 minutes (ideally with 15 second increments). Lots of machines only run for a minute which is a real pain in a studio setting.
Following these guidelines will ensure a successful start in bringing Vibration Training to your community.
Written by Philippa Church: Owner, resonancevt.co.uk
Phillipa
I’ve followed your progress from your first questions through to becoming a studio owner, then through some ups and downs you had, and now to your new machines and hearing how much the customers like them and all the benefits they’re getting. All I can say now is ** Congratulations. You’ve worked so hard. You followed the rules you’ve written above. Well Done!”
Please keep telling about your studio and customers stories.
I know it is on this site somewhere, but what exactly is the IVTRB? Is that your organization Lloyd?
It stands for the International Vibration Training Regulating Body. It was my idea to have an organization to represent the industry and give support to independents.
In the future it will have its own website and be a very “industry” based group. Depending on how well this industry matures of course, but already common concerns, education and lack of support is being voiced so it will address all of that in a structured manor and offer real solutions.
It will mean someone can guarantee they have someone to contact for answers rather than rely on a forum, which may seem Ok for now, but when this goes mainstream it will not stand up to the flood. It needs to be organized and reliable.
I was going to launch it properly before but the market shift has slowed me down a bit. But the delay has also given us time to sort out the real players from the fakes so might have been for the best.
Thanks for the info Lloyd. So when it says that Phillipa/Mike etc. are members of the IVTRB…how does that work? I’d love to get involved and support the cause.
Ditto for me with the IVTRB.
Hi John
I’m sure Lloyd Will give you more info, but for me being a member of the IVTRB means:
1) Being able to ring up any time (including 3am ) to ask Lloyd or indeed Mike any questions – could be prob with machine or someone coming in with a disease/condition you don’t know about.
2)Means they will provide ongoing support with training – positions not working, people with needs, how to push people forwards, running ideas past (e.g. weighted vests! (bad idea guys!))
3)Support if things go wrong – organisation (with Lloyd behind it in particular) carries weight. This post initially carried lots of detail about problems I had with machines not being up to commercial use. Without the backing of the IVTRB I dont think I would have got the refund I got from the machines.
For me in UK – where there are only really Powerplates and little real knowledge (although Vibrogym have been helpful there are few Vibrogyms in the UK) they have been a real life support.
Am sure Lloyd will fill in more though
Thank you Philippa. And please keep sharing your experiences with us here.
I’d also like to become a member of the IVTRB. I’ve just recently set up a small studio in the UK. I am trying to contact several UK health/fitness bodies to try and understand if I should be regulated in any way.
Rachel
If you click on Lloyd Shaw’s you will click thru to Vibra-Train website where you will find contact details to email Lloyd.
Please tell us about your studio and machines and where you are.
Hi Di
Thanks. I will visit Lloyd’s website and drop him a note.
I’ve recently purchased machines from Hyper Gravity. Extremely pleased with them so far. Josh specifically designed machines for our use as the studio will be open 7 days a week – all day !
We are in the UK, just north of London.
This blog has been very useful and makes great reading ! Thanks !
Hi Rachel
Very exciting! Where abouts are you? What sort of Hypergravities did you go for? Am keen to hear how you get on. I am in Bedfordshire – please feel free to come visit if you would like to see our studio here.
Hi Rachel,
Congrat’s on the studio.
What sort of warranty do you have for your machines? as I note on the hypergravity web site they no longer do warrantys for commercail use.
If you havn’t figured out by now, make sure you copie the Vibra-Train safety programe.
Hi Rachel
Just had a look about and you are only 2 miles from me so I guess you will know where my studio is. Would love to come and have a look at the Elites if that would be OK with you.
Rachel Bishop….
A few queries, the first 2 are as a rep selling machines and helping set up studios…..
(a) The poses on this site http://www.hypervibe.co.uk/index.html are not even close to the safety program. What program and safety standards do you promote ?
(b) You would be aware HyperVibe is the name of a well known company that is expanding globally, an IVTRB member in fact, who sells Pivotal units not Lineal. They are on this site often. I think you understand with the way the internet works this is not good. Does the studio owner know the name is already in use ?
(c) Is Josh now offering a full commercial warranty with zero restrictions to everybody , as this is the opposite message we got from his recent changes.
On a personal note I am curious of your interest to be a “part of this industry” now, because you have obviously not been open about your plans to set up studios, even though you had been visiting, along with your customers, a local studio just a few minutes down the road. It is not like something you would “forget” to mention. You have been Joshes rep since at least May but not a word from you on this site, even though you read it.
Do you mind if I ask why all the secrecy ?
Philippa
If you get a chance to go over to the new studio, would really like your opinion on the New Elites and how they compare to the vibro’s and bodyshaker’s.
Rachel
You mentioned Josh has designed these units for you how do they differ from the normally bog standard HG Elite.
that hypervibe studio website’s exercise pics are crazy! Did you see the girl’s low back and knees? I’d love to have a PT office next door.
Hi lloyd,
i found a european distributor(k-proline) of the machine known on this site as Hypervibe and also Nitrofit.I am wondering if they are the exact same units or if the Hypervibe/Nitrofit have done any improvements?Price is excellant if it is the same machine and quality.
Also when i first visited this site nearly 18 months ago there was no studios in Bedfordshire, UK. now there seems to be at least 3!!
Just to let you know, i posted awhile back about a manufacturer who tried to tell me pivotal machines were very dangerous and you should have a bone density test before you try one, well it was Josh from Hypergravity.So new studios in Bedfordshire be wary of those bearing gifts!!
Hi All
Thanks for all responses ! I’m a bit confused as HyperVibe is not our studio. Apologies also for not making contact on blog earlier. I’ve only just recently found this blog, have been researching so much on internet, there is so much out there – just trying to make sense of it all. Yes we have a 2 year warranty with Josh.
Phillippa – It would be great if you could come over and see us ! I know you spoke to Lins today and I’m sorry we didn’t share with you before – we only made the decision recently to set something up as she already has approx 200 clients through her current business she is running at home so we thought it would be a great way to start something up locally in our village. Anyway looking forward to catching up. You can take a look / have a go on machines and then feed back to group.
Let me know if you are happy for me to continue using blog – it would be great to get advice and help. All we want is to ensure we provide the very best in S&H, training methods and comply with all necessary standards.
Thanks
Rachel
4 Goodness Shake Ltd (name of our company – no website yet)
Hi Rachel
The reason people think you are ‘Hypervibe’ is if you click on the English flag on the Hypergravity site it brings both names up but sort of makes you look affiliated. It is quite misleading. I suppose, as Willie said, seems strange to have two new studios open up within a few miles of each other with the same machines etc. Am aiming to come over tomorrow all being well – looking forward to trying the machines.
Hi Phillippa
Ah….I didn’t appreciate how Josh had set our details up on his website – I will go and take a look. I can assure you it is a complete coincidence both Melanie along with Lins and I have set up studios. We were aware a while ago Melanie was setting up as Josh put us both in touch.
Hi Rachel
Yes I understand. I guess there a couple of points to gain from this.
1) I would say it is a courtesy if you have been customers of someone for a while to let them know your plans. I know the person whose plate I used for a length of time (iei more than a few sessions)I told of my plans before I opened as exactly that gesture of courtesy.
2) GOOD Vibration Training Studios are looking to support the industry as a whole and although we may not be overjoyed at competetion I know I would support a studio who was actively promoting a safe approach rather than the rubbish that is out there. There is so much bad practice that damages the name of Vibration Training that those who are keen to do it right actually need to stand together so that this fantastic industry has a real future rather than being about people making a quick buck but killing its reputation.
So… am happy to help in any way I can if you want to be part of an industry that is moving in a positive direction. See you tomorrow xx
It seems there has been some confusion, there are two new studios that have set up within a very close distance to Philippa. If you click on the U.K flag on the hypergravity site it brings them both up.
Just goes to show how Josh is more interested in sales than the success of people, as to allow 2 different people to set up with his machines in such close range. I think this is very underhanded.
Rachel did you know of the other studio starting the same time as you? with the same machines? in the same area?
Also I guess you were not aware of the problems Philippa had with her hypergravity machines?
Does Josh know you are operating a studio as his web site says personal use only for the warranty, just want to make sure you are protected.
I wish you all, success, in particular with the machines, these are good machines in a personal setting, but with a small number of people on them a day they have shown to break down. Which can ruin your business very quickley.
Just had a studio shut down over here after 18 months, lost a lot of customers when the machines constantly broke down.
I now Philippa would be more than happy to help you if you need it, as studio owners we need to stick together for the good of the industry.
If anyone types “vibration training” into google, this website comes up first every time. I cannot accept that people who are doing research to set up a studio do not know this site exists. Also there’s so much help and knowledge here, I’d be very wary of anyone who claims to be able to Instruct customers in the use of vibration machines that hasn’t gained some info from vibrationtraining.net or even the vibra-train website.
Scary! Don’t people realise this is a specific form of training that requires excellence in poses?
This on the U.K hypervibe web site…..
“Hypervibe Whole Body Vibration Training machines have been developed with the help of physicians”
Marketing bullshit at its worst!
I hope they don’t plan to incorperate those poses they have on the web site, if they do i will help fund the physio clinic that Gabriel sets up beside them, We could make a killing
Have already emailed Melanie Willis of the Hypervibe twice incarnated and hope to visit also. Let’s hope pictures are just marketing mistakes and taken from stock pics Josh may have sent. Am sure Melanie who is also an ex customer would know better than to be advocating these kind of poses in her studio. She is well aware of the dangers of such like.
From the companies office – 4 Goodness Shake was incorporated 18th June – just a month ago
and Hypervibe UK on the 14th July – a week ago!
It seems Josh has been very actively promoting into this small area of UK. Sad, I think as it would be nice to see a wider field IF the machines can now cope with busy studio use.
The Hypervibe site confuses the machine name – just as you’ve written Mike – they are Hypergravity machines
…however I am currently looking in the recruitment pages for unemployed physios just to hedge my bets!
Di
The scary thing is most of the people who set up their own studio can not hold the poses them selves let alone take money from someone else and train them, this form of training is not a game.
Philippa invested alot of money into her training, I only hope the others follow suit.
I have a big question for Josh -
Did you tell these people to come onto this website to gain knowledge and help? And if not, why not? And Josh knows of the IVTRB.
This site is an amazing source. I use it everyday, not just to check for new comments and new articles but to search for information in previous articles, sometimes years old.
Philippa
Hi Di
Actually (in a very non-British way) I am going to take this as a compliment. I think people come to studios such as mine – see them thriving and think it’s an easy way to make a few quid. I am flattered that it looks so. But I think we all know who have been doing it for a while it is not as easy as it looks and I know a large amount of my budget went into training and I continue to put effort into keeping up to date with what’s going on. And I can tell you all not only am I not a millionaire but I am very much in the red and if I were doing this for the money I would have packed it in a long time ago and gone on the search for a rich man! Anyone…?? Mike?? Lloyd?? Well maybe after reading about how quickly the earth moved (and stopped) for you both in the recent comments I’ll just stick to the training . He he he (I can;t find how to insert smileys!)
Philippa
Smilies insert themselves if you put in the symbols – such as ; then – then ) written together gives you
You’ll have to cast your net wider to find a rich man – hehe. I don’t think Mike or Lloyd qualify, yet! Note that the earth movement is fast and furious – definitely not fun
I would bet that if either Lloyd or I found our way to the U.K you may have to take a week off to recover
I may not be rich but after having five kids to the same woman I would like to think staying power is one of my strenghts. ohh yeeaaa
This is my take on the situation…..
(1) Everybody is aware of this site. We are number 1 on Google in all countries . For those dealing with HyperGravity they have this on their main website…
http://www.hypergravity.net/blog.html
(2) Those of us who are taking this technology to the public must understand one thing, manufacturers have shown they are NOT interested in how the machines are used, safety programs, ethics and what we are trying to accomplish.
They would only prefer we communicate if it somehow gets them another sale. They operate out of fear and try to pass that on to the customers.
They will actively keep us apart if they are trying to hide something. That is why they give NOTHING back to this industry and only come on here to market.
Eg…. The question has been raised about why HyperGravity did not send you to this site, considering the important part it has played in getting their name out there it is an important one.
(a) They don’t care about the industry.
(b) They did not want you to ask this community questions.
(3) I have seen the “customer decides to open a studio” scenario multiple times now. It has happened to me twice and to most of our studios. They come in 2 categories…
Hyper-Competitive …..
Open competition, communication and even shared resources, advertising, training etc.
Anti-Competitive…
Zero communication, immediate putdown of the competition and rumors spread about training and/or machines.
Rachel……
I would e-mail me right away. I am aware of more than you realize and things need to be addressed before it is too late.
Have been to visit Rachel and Lynsay from For Goodness Shake. They are nothing to do with Hypervibe. Have every faith that they have good intentions – they want to do it right and keep people safe. I have stressed the importance of Safety programme and they are going to be following this, So as long as they get good training in it am sure they will be a positive contribution.They are also working with a Physio so that might interest Gabriel? Interesting Josh has sent big poster stuffed full of appalling positions and also a poster of a kind of adapted Safety Programme – but showing incorrect positions. Anyway they know now not to listen to any training advice from Hypergravity
They have got a 2 year commercial warranty
Re Elite Professionals
They have changed.
Have one large motor not two
There seems to be an adaptor box which I am guessing (but could be wrong) changes DC to AC current. Hopefully these changes will make them more reliable
The feel (on high amp) is about the same as a Vibrogym Pro but feels much smoother. I would say less powerful on low amp. I always have a sense though that they frequency runs high on the Hypergavities.
The frequency goes up in 4hz increments (so can be 42hz)
A concern I had is that the frequency goes down to 10 hz( up to 60) which feels awful and if you use the strength setting (where it travels up and down the frequencies) it goes down to the 10 hz setting
Has lots of gadgets etc – eg a half moon cushion to lie over, straps etc which I would guess are invitations to trouble!
Sadly I was refused a visit to Hypervibe
Philippa
That is sad but not for you. For HyperVibe UK that is a very stupid move. They will now have no support from the IVTRB or from Lloyd and other studio owners and will be completely dependant on backup from their machine suppliers.
Who are they going to call when they have a person with a medical situation or a disability and they need advice about training that person? Who are they going to call If their machines develop problems and support is not forthcoming?
I realise that in some ways the IVTRB seems to be an industry control that isn’t always welcome BUT it’s all about recognising the safety that, that provides for customers and for business owners.
Very silly for then to go it alone. Also they wont get any customers sent their way when people ask for recommendation on this forum or others, or when people ask in the studio here for their relatives and friends in London.
Hi Di
Thanks. One of the things that came out talking to the For Goodness Shake team was just how intimidating this forums comes across. Their point was they were trying to do it right but felt attacked on all fronts by the people here (me included I would guess). I did explain that everyone on here is passionate about protecting standards within the industry and that can come across as aggressive (partcularly to us Brits who are no where near as direct as you Antipodeans!) However the thing I pointed out and would really want to stress to anyone looking at this is…
When the chips are down – if you are playing for the team, the team will back you all the way. I can personally speak from experience in terms of this and it is worth more than any guarantee.
2) The point you made abut seeking advice is paramount. There is no amount of training that can prepare you for all the eventualities that walk in your studio. I so value the fact that as part of the IVTRB I can feel Ok about emailing (amd calling) Lloyd all hours of the day and night (I probably am responsible if Lloyd looks 10 years older than his age) as there have been too many to count examples of where I have needed to get support and back up. As I said earlier- running a studio can look easy to an onlooker who doesn’t see all the differing conditions that we deal with. I can’t think of any one else I would feel confident in asking advice for if someone walked in with an extreme condition or anyone that would have suficient experience or knowledge.
I would just like to note that I am highly aware that sometimes these posts come across as an ad campaign. They are not. Just that it can be hard to stress the importance of what you are saying without it sounding slightly evangelical at times. There is a reason why people are so loyal to the forum and to Lloyd – and it’t not some bizarre cult or brainwashing. For me, I just cannot see how I would have coped (safely and confidently) without the support of the latter two.
Apologies for the bad typing – wrote too quickly and didn’t check!
Also I think its deplorable to take another company’s trading name. A quick search of vibration training in google brings up many company names and HyperVibe is already in use. Also the brand owner markets pivotal machines so it creates confusion for a studio having lineal machines to use that name and can only work against them.
Yes – have explained this to Hypervibe
Philippa, as another female I understand well how intimidating this forum can feel and talking with Lloyd can be even worse as I know you have experienced. He demands perfection in use of the machines and wont take any excuse at all. I think his manner has reduced the strongest of us to tears at times.
As you know there’s very good reason for his strong attitudes – the safety and excellent instruction of the customer comes first – and second – and last. We as trainers and business owners are there to provide this service. So while we are worrying about smaller or vaster matters Lloyd cuts right to the basic issue and he gets results – everyone gains!!!
There is a little irritation that people come on here and simply ask – what machine shall I buy? I saw a crazyfit and it was cheap in price too. I want to look like Arnold Swarchenegger or whatever female model is in vogue, and I want it to happen in 3 weeks
We just get tired of saying – please read the articles. They are all listed in the beginners guide when you posted your question. I think I am also losing patience with people with that question now 
Di – am completely in accord with what you say and yes have also been at the end of the brutal approach! Like you although tough at the time – give it a bit of tiem and you can totally see the reason for it and always for positive effect if difficult to swallow. I suppose my point is for people that haven’t seen the positive effect – why would they stick around? My worry is that we drive away people who want to do it right – but who may have made a few mistakes (mindfully or unaware). Don’t know what the solution is as see the need for a strong stance. Just maybe that justice tempered with mercy stance is the way forward. We surely don’t want to make this a forum where people are too scared to ask questions at the risk of sounding stupid or being attacked?
As the site administrator, I agree with the “justice tempered with mercy: statement Philippa, we don’t want people to not ask questions or other companies to be afraid to offer their two cents. None of us have the right to say we are the final authority on this subject, but we are all learning as this industry develops.
Caution rant alert….
Sounds lovely, but on the same note, people who act unethically, underhanded and secretive in the name of greed would naturally feel intimidated if they decide to come on “after” they have already done their bad deeds. They know they will probably be forced to front up to their behavior before any goodwill can be regained.
No-one would like that.
Remember these people are grownups who made the choice to play the game that way. I would prefer to help open and honest people first as I believe that should reflect the industry I want to be a part of.
From what I have seen in the last few years these types of people ONLY come on to “take” from the community never to “give”. They read but never comment.
They operate out out fear and are anti-competitive and by proxy they will never do the right thing and help the community, because they do not understand why they should. Can you see them standing up for what is right, just because it is, not because they can get something out of it.
This particular case….
Lets list the behavior…
(a) Ex customer decides to set up studio ( that’s ok )
(b) Uses another companies name ( maybe legal if a Trade-Mark is not held in that particular country, but defiantly unethical )
(c) Keeps it a secret from said studio. ( that’s not )
(d) Bans original studio owner from visiting ( ?????? )
So this person got the idea of opening a studio from the positive experience gained from someone else’s dream in such a new industry. But all of a sudden they are not good enough to mix with ?
Does that sound like the kind of person our industry needs. When we are still trying to fight basic misconceptions about how/if Vibration Training works.
I am sorry but we in no way can be held responsible for these peoples actions. If they feel guilty and intimidated they have no-one else to blame but themselves.
I have given one person caught up in this a task to do, to show they are on the communities side and does not agree with some of the things being done. Time will tell if we win one over to our side.
I agree with what you say above. Just think we’re dealing with two very different cases. I think one merits exactly your response and hopefully the other does not. We are dealing with two separate companies here. One of them did invite me to visit and hasn’t used people’s names and I hope will make a contribution to the industry.
Hi
I am new here and have read through the site and am so please I have come across it !
Basically I am based in the UK and looking to start a Studio, I need all the help I can get as I have no experiance in this field, I have had 2 free sessions at other studios nearby but apart from that nothing. I am meeting with a rep at Oscill-8 to have a look at the machines…..and basically this is what I need some expertise on…
1. Are these machines ok? my other option is one from ultim8 fitness?
2. Do I need any sort of qualification to do this ? I understand you receive training etc from who ever you purchase from.
Sorry to sound so naive but its something I would love to do I am at the moment a full time mum, and in my spare time I have been looking for premises etc, my other concern is that I would need some one to be there on a full time basis as I cant, does this person need to be qualified, also what insurances do i need?
thank you so much for reading and I look forward to any help/advise I can get !
Bea