As part of our on going quest to help you, the consumer make wise decisions concerning the purchase of a Vibration Training platform, we wanted to disclose some information about the Crazy Fit Massage, which is a machine that we receive many inquiries about.
The Crazy Fit Wholesale Price from China
Retail Price on Auction Sites
As you can see, these machines are easily bought by anyone in bulk from china then sold by people with next to no knowledge of the technology or the industry with at least 100% mark up and 50% profit.
These machines are classified as low speed pivotal and will do little in helping you to achieve the benefits that Whole Body Vibration has to offer.
I last week bought the vibeplate.com 20×40 on the phone.
i am a little nervous , buying from internet, without trying it to see if i like it. i have no way to know its made in USA as Randy said it is.
are you aware of this product . please tell me its a good buy forthe $1800.oo . from alot of the cheesy advertising, his site looks like they are serious & used in rehab & by athletes and stuff.
looks like a nice machine. simple. i’m worried its 1HP.
please tell me your research on this if you made any. (I can still cancel it, he’s not sending it till next week)
lesly
thank-you
Hi Lesly.
I’ve seen this unit before but have not tried one yet. I have heard about the use with horses. The machines can handle a lot of weight it appears but there is not much to the unit. What does it weigh?
They really don’t go into much detail regarding the actual performace specifications such as Amplitude settings or machine weight.
Hope the purchase has worked out for you.
Hi good day, please can you help me I have a Crazy Fit Mashing but for the last week its not working light go on and functions are working but plate is not vibrating, is there anyone that I can contact that repairs in the Johannesburg area
Thank you much
Louise
Louise,
I am afraid that we have no helpful information for you. We do not recommend Crazy Fit on this site. Best of luck solving this unfortunate problem.
got the same problem can u help
Hi
The motor might be going when you switch on which you can’t hear as they are very quite. The motor drives a shaft which moves the plate up and down which has a cam, some times they break and the plate stops moving. It is under the plate where you stand on it. I hope that might help
Hi, I’m thinking of buying a vbm; I’ve found a couple I was wondering if you can tell me whether the vibe rx http://www.viberx.com or could you possible recommend a cheaper one that has just the same affects. Thanks
Hi Gladys,
The VibeRX comes from the same factory as our HyperVibe units. I’ve imported a sample as a possible cheap massage alternative, and we included a variation of this model in our engineering tests, branded in Australia as QuickTone.
Find it on page 17 of our report here
http://www.hypervibe.com.au/engineers_report.pdf
You’ll note we recorded the following results…
Frequency: 3.65-12.33Hz
Maximum Amplitude: 12.22mm
Maximum Acceleration: 3.75g’s
On their website, it appears the product specifications link is dead, however, on their product comparison guide found here
http://www.viberx.com/wp-content/themes/arthemia/images/Product%20Comparison%20Chart.pdf
They claim to produce 30Hz.
Although it is possible to modify these units to run faster, this particular model is too light, and has too small a footprint to run at higher speeds. Therefore, I am extremely confident to tell you that this supplier has listed incorrect frequency specifications, and their real maximum frequency would be closer to 12Hz.
With that in mind, when you look at the benefits they lay claim to…..
Benefits of WBV Technology
Just a few minutes of use each day can help you achieve:
■Weight loss through decreased serum Cortisol (stress hormone) and stepped-up fat burning
■Core muscle strengthening and conditioning
■Body reshaping through muscle toning
■Enhanced bone density and bone building
■Improved lymphatic drainage
■Reduced pain caused by muscle strain or osteoarthritis
■Improved mobility (ideal for elderly or rehabilitation patients)
■Improved posture and balance
■Anti-aging benefits: increased production of growth hormones up to 361%
Almost all of those claims are unsupported, and are based on machines with much higher frequency/acceleration capabilities.
If you look at their research page here
http://www.viberx.com/scientific-research/
Not one of these studies uses a machine at settings which can be reproduced by the VibeRX
So getting back to your original question…
“could you possible recommend a cheaper one that has just the same affects”
The quality of the VibeRX is good, but you will find machines for less than half their price which will provide the same effects (not sure of their quality). Those effects being limited (according to the available evidence), to benefits such as improved balance, circulation, flexibility, etc.
If you are looking for a machine to provide training effects, you’ll need something more powerful, and nothing under $1000 can help you there I’m afraid.
I went to O2Wellness in San Clemente, Ca and the owner had a machine labled o2 viber…..she wouldn’t tell me where it was manufactured. I liked it as it had a large platform high off the floor which allows for various exercises and the top where it show what stance to use as the various workouts can be performed as the machine goes through its settings…..It was also noce and tall in height plus the very large platform…..that and the pictures of what to do at as the machine goes thru the various speeds is great. She is selling this machine for $6900. I would like to know if the machine is worth what she is asking for it and where it is made. She won’t say!!! What do you suggest???????
I believe this is the platform called the Theravibe and it is a lineal platform with an extremely large base. It is marketed for wellness as opposed to fitness and performance (sort of like the turbosonic). I do not know too much else about it and do not believe that it has been tested or used for any research.
Perhaps Murray can shed some more light on your question as he is much more familiar with the array of platforms on the market. As for the price, that is quite high and places it in line with the best platforms available. I have no idea where it is manufactured.
I don’t have any experience with this unit, however my money is with Gabriel. The images on the website show users more or less using the machine in an upright position.
From their website…
“Never lock the joints. When standing on the vibration platform, ensure that you don’t lock your knees. In other words, if you can still straighten them a bit more then you have got your stance just right. Bending the knees too much causes the vibration to be absorbed by the muscles of the legs and prevents the vibration from traveling through the whole body. While this is useful for strength training of the legs, it diminishes the all-round wellness benefits.”
So basically they promote simply standing on the machine, with the knees only slightly bent. Apparently there is a lot of this going on in the US, seems to be a little backwards to me.
I find it very hard to believe that any platform producing acceleration of any significance could be tolerated in this position. In other words my bet is a low acceleration device and not useful for training.
Murray and Gabriel are correct. Low acceleration lineal. Spice Wellness also used this type of machine (theirs is red in color). We were unimpressed and they are not inexpensive.
Deb
I am a 30-something year old male in decent shape, 6’1” 195 lbs. I lift, run, and do cardio. I actually bought a CrazyFit machine a year and half ago. I ordered it off amazon because it was cheap and I wanted to see what vibrational training was all about and how it felt. I knew this CrazyFit was a cheap unit from China, so I didn’t expect much. But based on the reviews, my expectations were for it to be a starter machine that might pave the way to buying a much better more expensive one in the future if I decided that vibrational training could be beneficial for me.
So, yea, the unit arrived at my door. The box was dirty and some of the parts looked a little dirty. It was definitely from China. I had to assemble it. Also, I think they shipped me an older model of the CrazyFit from the previous year. So my face already starting to turn red at that point. I put it down in my basement workout room on concrete floors because I knew that a vibrational unit would not be good on a subfloor. It didn’t take long and the base wasn’t too heavy to carry. I got nervous and crossed my fingers because I totally expected for this machine to not even turn on when I flipped the switch. Heck, it was from China and some of the parts looked like they might have been reconditioned parts. And if it didn’t work, I imagine it would be impossible to get your money back, yet alone too much of a hassle to re-box the heavy unit to send back.
The results?? I’d have to say that I was somewhat impressed!! I flipped the switch and the CrazyFit turned on. I was able to operate the control board. I stood on it and started at the lowest level. It’s a pivotal until. The levels are from 1 to 20. I seriously doubt that level 20 translates into 20 Hz. However…..it took a few sessions to get use to the machine because it vibrated hard enough to where I thought I was going to burst a blood vessel in my legs. Anyways, a year and a half later, I still have it and I actually just finished using it tonight because I decided not to go to the gym. When I use the machine, I put it on the highest level of 20 for 10 minutes. The pivotal base does vibrate pretty hard at 20, and is rather intense. The vibration is intense enough at 20, that I couldn’t imagine being on a platform that vibrates that much higher without too much discomfort. If the CrazyFit were capable of going up maybe a few more notches, it would be about all you would need. But again, level 20 on this machine gives my legs a great workout and I would say that level 20 on this machine would be too intense for someone that is a lot older than me.
So my verdict on the CrazyFit is that it is a good starter unit for someone looking to get serious about vibrational training. It’s a good supplemental workout in addition to a regular exercise program, especially on days you decide to skip the gym and just want to get a quick workout at home for your legs. If you are a runner, it is an excellent activity to do right after you have finished with a run. After you get done running, jump on the CrazyFit for 10 minutes, and your legs will feel like jello afterwards. The unit is from China and the instructions are almost pointless, although I was able to comprehend the instructions to assemble the unit. I was pleased with the unit for being a cheap chinese knock-off and it has actually helped me to gain some additional tone in my legs even though I go to the gym and use a stairmaster, lift weights, and run outside. In all honesty, if someone were to offer to buy my CrazyFit from me, I would turn them down because I still like it. Aside from that, a pivotal unit is not ideal for trying to get an upper body workout with. Therefore, the CrazyFit machine, in my opinion, is best to use just for leg workouts. This pivotal machine, if used right, will help add some more tone to your legs and will actually help improve your performance for running or anything that is cardio related because the g forces of the pivotal unit does stimulate your leg muscles enough to improve contraction strength. That’s my opinion, although I have had the opportunity to stand on a $10,000 dollar vibrational platform either. So I have nothing to compare it to.
Are there any unit under $2000 that would offer the average home user the decribed benefits of wbv?
Hi Jeff, Glad to here you are enjoying your machine. One thing I can point out and you may have already figured it but based on the intensity comments you can reduce it by bringing your feet closer together or increase it buy moving your feet further apart. The Galileo and several other machines have amplitude markers on the plate or machine itself to make it easier to ensure feet are an equal distance apart.
Carol, the described benefits are many and can vary depending on the machines performance capabilities. Are you looking more for Massage/Relax and light workout capabilities or do you wish to be able to grow with the machine to use it for fitness training as well? This can make a difference. A low speed/low G machine can be had in your price range and there are many to choose from but a true training machine will likely exceed your 2k expectation but not necessarily by much. I am a bit biased so do a bit of independent research of your own but the Hypervibe is definately a machine to seriously consider if you are looking for a training machine in that price range. Many others make the same claims but will not back it up with voluntary independent testing and release of such information.
Upper body excersizes are available and can be done on a pivotal but users must be aware of “Amplitude” and how it works. Intensity can be increased or decreased again by being concious of hand placement as described above.
Carol Anne,
As far as I know, none of the platforms that we support on this site are below $2000. The closest thing is the Hypervibe (approx. $2500). I am sorry that there are no other options. The bottom line is that quality platforms cost $$$ to manufacture and can therefore not be sold at such cheap prics.
Hi, im a relatively fit 26 year old and I was wondering if you could please tell me if the following machine is a good one and suitable for exercising on. The specifics are as follows – machine is from vitallity4life, it’s called vitality600. It has an oscillating platform. Speed range 1-20. Amplitude 10mm. Input voltage 90-240v. Max power 200w. Thank you
Hi Gabrielle. Thanks for your question.
If you review the other article on this site WBV Machines Inaccurate Specifications, there is a machine called the Vitality for Life that I think you will find to be the same.
See http://www.vibrationtraining.net/category/reviews/.
Depends on what you plan to use it for. It will provide what I call some wellness benefits but would not be considered a training platform.
Hope this helps
Deb
I bought a Crazy Fit off of eBay about 3 years ago. Never had any problems with it. The speed adjusts from 1-50, not sure exactly what the Hz is, owners manual is somewhere in the house. But it seems to vibrate at a fairly high speed. So my question is- what’s so wrong with this machine?
How is this machine, which offers a fairly high level of vibration, so inferior to a machine that’s going to cost me $3000+ more dollars?
I honestly cannot see spending so much more for a machine that I cannot find any real proof is vastly superior to what I have.
Hi Dave,
No offence intended here, I’m hoping this provides some explanation. Your question could be compared to this one…
How is this cheap 1Kg dumbbell, so inferior to a dearer 5Kg dumbbell?
Here is a fairly simplistic explanation why….
If you take a 1Kg dumbbell, it only weighs 1Kg for two reasons.
1) The Mass of the dumbbell
2) The Acceleration that dumbbell is undergoing
There is a basic physics equation that says Force = Mass x Acceleration
In conventional resistance training we adjust the loading on our muscles via adjusting the mass component. If I want more loading than the 1Kg dumbbell, I can go and pick up a dumbbell of greater Mass. The Acceleration component is still there, we just don’t give any thought to it because the Acceleration the dumbbell is undergoing is a constant produced by Earth’s gravity. We can’t adjust Earth’s gravity, so we adjust the Mass instead.
If I took that same 1Kg dumbbell to a planet like Jupiter where there is 4 times the gravity we have here on Earth, my 1Kg dumbbell now weighs 4Kg. Same dumbbell, same Mass, but due to the increased Acceleration we’ve increased the Force required to lift this dumbbell by 4 times.
So in short, with WBV the loading comes via adjusting the Acceleration rather than adjusting the Mass.
The long version is that greater Acceleration at the platform doesn’t necessarily mean greater loading for the user, but that’s a whole other topic.
The Crazy Fit, as well as numerous brands of machines which share the same design, have been tested to death via our engineers report here
http://www.hypervibe.com.au/engineers_report.pdf
They’ll push out about 5g’s maximum (without anyone on the platform). Compare that to the most researched, first commercially available Whole Body Vibration machine, Galileo. Their top of the line unit produces over 20g’s.
I can assure you that if you ever get the chance to try a Galileo, you’ll soon change your mind that your Crazy Fit “offers a fairly high level of vibration”.
There is plenty of evidence out there to support the use of higher acceleration devices for training type benefits, whilst there is very little evidence to support the use of lower acceleration devices for the same.
Thanks for the info.
It would seem that the majority of vibration machines being sold are comparable to the Crazy Fit, which means my machine performs as well as those cost thousands of dollars more.
The Galileo seem like it is the best performer on the market. But the truth is- it’s too much money for me to spend on something that I have serious doubts about.
I’m not talking about doubting the quality of the machine, or it’s performance. Every couple of years something new comes along in health and fitness that gets hyped to the max and then you find them at yard sales for a couple of bucks. Will a 5g machine give me 90% or the benefits of a 20g machine? Maybe it will, I don’t know? I’m not an expert and I don’t know if there has been enough REAL exercise research done on vibration machines to answers that question.
What I have learned in 30+ years of exercising is that NOTHING comes without effort. Standing on a vibrating platform is not going to melt pounds of fat off of you, nor give you 18″ biceps, it’s also not going to strengthen your heart. You want real results you need to do real work.
I do however believe that vibration training can help to repair your body. That it will aid in circulation and enhance your health.
But until REAL research is done by INDEPENDENT researchers I’m not about to spend $8,000+ on a vibration machine. There are too many CLAIMS being made be those who make and sell these machines and not enough actual PROOF or results.
When data exists that shows that vibration training will make someone stronger than someone who lifts weights, then I will take real notice. When the research shows that 10mins. of vibration training will strength the heart better than 30mins. of cardio, then I will be impressed.
Dave,
Your arguments, although understandable since you own a crazy fit, are an perfect example of the problem that has caused this industry to grow so slowly. The unwillingness of the public to actually take some time to do research on this subject or make an effort to understand the basic physics of the platfoms leads to ignorane. You are spouting out the arguments and beliefs made in the 90′s that are not only inaccurate, but also based upon obsolete principles of fitness and exercise. There is currently over 150 studies done at respectable universities and medical centers and published in top level journals that support the legitimacy of Vibration Training. We’ll have all the research in the the 3rd part of our platform selection article so hopefully this will help.
I’m not spouting this because I own a Crazy Fit, doesn’t bother me if I find out it’s ineffective. I didn’t pay much for it. What would bother me is paying $5,000+ and finding out it’s worthless.
I look forward to seeing the research you are soon going to post. I hope their are DIRECT comparative studies to conventional training. I hope they use test groups to show the results obtained by the various methods of training.
I do suspect that conventional training will still win out. Real life demands the SAID principle.
Dave,
When it comes to comparisons between “conventional training” (which defines nothing really as there is no longer any one single method out there), the majority of the research points to there being no major differences in the study parameters when it comes to end results. That being said, there are some studies that do show superiority of VT over non-VT programs. These studies typically involved solid platforms systems. Murray can shed light on these studies with much greater detail and, as I said, they will be in part 3.
The point in the studies that show equality however, is that the program was not only simpler, but required significantly less time and stimulated bodily systems (circulatory, nervous etc.) with much greater efficacy. No one is really trying to say this is better than “conventional trainng”‘ but in most cases, can certainly be a substitute or all-out replacement for what most people do when they go to the gym for an hour or two.
I have a feeling that, based on your comments however, you will use your blatant skepticism to argue against anything we present.
“in times of change, learners inherit the earth while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists”
-Eric Hoffer
Eric,
You don’t think someone should be a bit skeptical when being asked to spend $5000-$10,000 on an exercise machine? For that kind of money it had better offer results superior to regular types of physical training.
I’ve done a bit of searching on the internet and it seems vibration training does help to increase muscular strength but does nothing for cardiovascular fitness. What I haven’t seen, so far, from the research is what type of intensity the vibration training has been at. I think that would be fairly critical information. And this gets back to the Crazy Fit. If I can spend $300 on a Crazy Fit and it’s going to give the same result as a $5,000+ machine, then why would I buy the more expensive machine?
One other major concern I would have is- durability. For $5,000- $10,000 I would want a lifetime warranty. No point in spending that kind of money if after 3 years the machine is broken. If the Crazy Fit breaks down in 3 years I could care less.
Dave,
Skepticism is a common trait for anyone new to the Vibration Training industry. It is certainly understandable given the amount of bs that exists on the internet for those searching for more information. Having that been said, most skeptics are open on some level to learning. This does not seem to be the case with you. Instead you just seem to want to rant about the inadequacies of Vibration Training. My advice to you is to reread part 1 and part 2 of the “purchasing a platform” article, review the research on pubmed.org under “whole body vibration”, and stay tuned for the 3rd part of the article which will help summarize the research. Other than that, try and locate some people with platforms in your area (if you can) and test as many platforms out as you can.
If you do this, all your questions will be answered. As far as a lifetime warranty goes, best of luck finding that. It does not exist. Don’t know a whole of technology-based equipment that offers that.
I find it odd that when tough questions get asked personal attacks aren’t far behind. Attack the person in order to silence the tough questions seems to be the tactic here. Such tactics make me even more skeptical. Have I asked unreasonable questions? I’d simply like to know the G level that produces results, and the G level used in most of the test studies.
As for warranty….how long IS the warranty on a Galileo?
As for re-reading parts 1 and 2. Neither article really provides me much info, it’s all pretty basic and general.
Hi Dave,
I’ve always said… with the written word, the tonality of ones voice is always missing. As a result… at times we may read things a little different than they were meant to be said.
I don’t believe there are any intentions of attacking you or anyone else for that matter here, I see efforts being made to address your questions. Some have also been addressed here for others in the past… just spend a little time going through the posts and comments threads related.
I’ve found a world of wealth here and it’s help me along the road of understanding this industry… it’s taken me sometime too and I’m still learning. The contributors here are professionals in their chosen fields, who all have embraced whole body vibration and are willing to share their findings with us, taking time from their busy professional and personal lives to help anyone and without compensation.
They continue to shorten my learning curve, as I’m sure they will for you and many others too.
You have not asked unreasonable questions…. now I too wish to help you to the best of my ability.
The machines used in a majority of the studies have been Galileo’s… VibraFlex here in North America. Most of the models they produce have the ability to reach upwards of 20 G’s of force at 30 Hz..
Different results will come from different settings on the machines, therefor producing different related G forces. Lower for therapeutic and higher for strengthening. The earlier analogy of the dumb bells explains it quite well.
The warranty period on a Galileo is one year. You will also find studies for your further research here http://www.motionhealth.com/webpage/1002843/1000572 and http://www.galileouk.co.uk/research.html
Hope this has helped…. glad to hear you are satisfied with the results you are getting from your Crazyfit.
Your comments have inspired me to write a post that will hopefully provide you with all the answers you seek. It will be up soon. If you find the “selecting a platform” article to be too basic, there isn’t much else I can do to guide you in the interim. My apologies.
The warranty on the Galileo is only 1 year unfortunately. Having that been said, I have not heard one report of a Galileo breaking and even own a second hand one that was in a health club beforehand for 4 years. The only thing I have heard is that the belt may need replacement once in a while with excess usage although this has not been the case for me. I own 9 in total and use them daily with 5-15 clients/patients per day of all bodyweights. Not one single problem to speak of.
Hi Dave,
You said…
“It would seem that the majority of vibration machines being sold are comparable to the Crazy Fit, which means my machine performs as well as those cost thousands of dollars more.”
Incorrect, of the machines included in our report, there is only 1 machine which you cannot find retailing below $3000 which performs similarly to the crazy fit in terms of g force, the Power Plate My5. All other machines which produced less than 6g’s do not cost thousands more.
To the contrary, I’d suggest you’d have difficulty finding a machine which retails above $3000 that performs just like the Crazy Fit.
Furthermore, I’d also suggest that perhaps 95% of existing research use vibration protocols which exceed the capacity of the Crazy Fit. Therefore, there is very little evidence to suggest the effectiveness of machines such as the Crazy Fit.
With regards to lower g’s VS higher g’s, there are numerous papers which suggest a trend towards greater effects from higher g’s. For example, a 2010 Meta Analysis by Marin & Rhea showed a significant increase in strength effect size via an increase in both frequency and displacement, i.e. greater acceleration.
Dr Bosco’s 360% increase in HGH, 7% in testosterone, could not be reproduced by many others using low g’s.
Say you have a Crazy Fit and a Hypervibe side by side. The Crazy Fit is running full throttle and producing about 4G while the Hypervibe is set barely above idle, so to speak, and is producing the same 4G. Is there any difference in effect between the two?
Kstein,
Good question. In general, changes in the variable of acceleration can be reached through changes in both frequency and amplitude. Since frequency, for example, may influence whether or not you trigger the stretch reflex, the degree of connective tissue release you acheive, the degree of circulation etc. there could be differences in the effects between two machines producing the same acceleration. Most important variable would be how you are reaching the 4g’s
The meta analysis to which you refer also says, “Vertical platforms elicit a significantly larger treatment effect for chronic adaptations as compared with oscillating platforms.” Interesting.
I am planning to purchase the vibraslim. What do yo think?
Dama,
Please read this article (link below) and you will see who we support on this site. Anything else is not recommended and you will be purchasing at yor own risk.
http://www.vibrationtraining.net/2011/08/how-to-properly-select-a-platform-part-ii/
thanks gabriel!
How does the power step compare to the crazy fit and other machines. The power step is being shown at county fairs and is selling for $1,299. What I did like was the 2 year warranty on parts and lifetime labor guarantee. What do you think?
Thanks.
Hi Jack,
We have discussed this platform in previous posts. Yet another cheap knock-off. You can have the same expectations from it as from the Crazy Fit. The warranty is good, but the product is not. Buyer beware.
just bought crazy fit for christmas all lights up but wont vibrate can any 1 help
Hi Tommy & Merry Christmas Eve.
Sorry to hear you’ve had a bad first experience.
If you have power & can hear the motor turning it may just be the belt has slipped off.
Do you have a return period? I suggest contacting the company you purchased it from and ask for a refund or replacement. Do this ASAP as some manufacturers have a very short return period and the holidays will shorten that up.
Hope this helps and that you get some assistance.
Kind regards,
Deb Pelletier
What are your thoughts on the Confidence Slim full body vibration system? Did you test that machine and what were the results?
Sam…
It has fake specs and they promote standing on it lock legged and wobbling from side to side will help you lose weight.
Two complete lies that should see you steering clear from buying it.