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 I’d share some of what I’ve learned for those thinking of doing the same!

The 3 Biggies

1. Research your machines and check they are capable of being hammered day in day out.
2. Ensure you have back up – IVTRB membership if possible
3. Get good training in the Safety Program and stick to it.

Some other points to consider.

1. 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!
2. 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!)
3. 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.
4. Get a small back up machine if you can.
5. Set your rules out and stick to them – e.g. customers can’t bring children with them, cancellations policy etc.
6. Follow the Safety Program and be vigilant about making sure people don’t deviate from it.
7. Beware of too many bells and whistles on machines – there is more to go wrong and more to confuse the customers!
8. Delay timers will bring you serenity and calm.
9. 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

The good and bad of positive research.

This new study is going to be used by every single company that sells something that vibrates up, down, sideways or tilts fast enough to be called a vibration and even though some companies would be justified in using it to support the effectiveness of their product, about 99% of the industry have NO claim to the positive outcomes shown in that report.

Here are the Power Plate facts

The study was done on a newer Power Plate machine designed to take heavier loads. It was a fiberglass Lineal machine and would be considered to be at the upper end of the “Medium Energy Lineal ” as per our review categories.

No one except Power Plate and other companies on that same/similar level and above can rightfully use this study in any kind of advertising. I think this is logical to most, but we will soon see how many people in our industry come up with justifications for twisting it for their own marketing purposes. I am quite sure I will be slamming a few companies in the very near future for exactly that, but for now we get to Power Plate’s problem.

Now of course we can not ask Power Plate to name their equals and above because that would be paramount to “sales” suicide. However, Power Plate at the same time must differentiate themselves or lose sales to much lesser and probably cheaper units. A catch 22 if there ever was one. So what are you going to do as a consumer to get around this? Everyone’s either going to lie or not say anything at all. So here is the ONLY answer…..

The old fashioned try before you buy

Yes it might seem simple, but so many people forget this common piece of advice. Trust that your body knows the “difference” in quality when it feels it, you do not need a PHD to feel something, after all, your body is very in tune with its surrounding and gives feedback you instinctively understand. No big word or fancy sales speech to worry about. Go where you can try a Power Plate (a larger model like used in the study, not a home unit), then find somewhere you can try other machines. As always the more the merrier.

A 1 minute basic squat ( as per the safety program here) is the perfect position to do these tests and don’t let the salesperson talk to you or distract you during this. Tell them to put it on a good workout setting and vibrate off. Even after only 3 units you will get the idea.

Important note: No one in the study we are aware of had any injuries or physical limitations that would stop them from doing a basic squat, so if you do have one it is not advised you try this test (“its too hard” is not a physical limitation, that’s a mental one).

Having tested the machines and made an informed decision, buy the product and use it with a calorie restricted diet if you want the kind of results seen in the research, please note that buying a lighter home model for economic reasons will also vary the outcome. The whole point of this is to understand machines are NOT all the same, even if built by the same company. I am sure a number of companies that sell larger machines like those used in the research will attach it to their cheaper home models, this is also unethical without clearly disclosing it and would put them in the same bracket as the marketers who would attach it to anything that moves.

It is sure tempting to save a few bucks by buying a product that is mass produced and widely distributed, but, is it worth it?

If a consumer were to purchase a piece of equipment and use it occasionally in their home then the product may hold up for some time. However, If the consumer is serious about using the vibration trainer on a regular basis than he/she should consider the phrase ” you get what you pay for”.

This Power Plate Machine was used in a commercial setting for three weeks. The wear and tear is quite evident.

• The buttons started to cave in.



• The Anti- skid surface on the bottom plate was wearing off.

• The overall appearance of the machine looked old.

Of course this machine was used commercially and not in the home so accelerated wear and tear would be expected. However, this amount of damage was done in just three weeks. I imagine that under normal conditions ( the machine being used about once a day) this type of machine might last six months before it begins to exhibit similar damage.

In conclusion, we have all been tempted when making a purchase to save a few dollars and buy a mass produced product that in most cases has been advertised extensively, but we may need to stop and consider what we are actually getting for our money.

Power Plate are now selling their machines all across the USA – thanks to a deal with Brookstone. Brookstone have over 300 outlets selling everything from furniture to kitchen appliances.

Specifically, the Powerplate my5 will be sold – retailing at US$4,500.

Acceleration Training?

Power Plate are calling the machine an “Acceleration Training Machine”. The phrase acceleration training has a small “TM” appearing next to it indicating a trademark. A search of the US Trademark database reveals nothing.

The term “acceleration training” is confusing – and implies explosive performance or even plyometric exercises.

Only time will tell whether the phrase will catch on.

From the Turbosonic rep:

Why TurboSonic? This machine uses no mechanical moving parts to vibrates the training plate. TurboSonic is powered by a patented amplifier system that causes quiet sonic vibrations. Simply stated – there are no moving parts. No sound. And it’s real precise.

TurboSonic can be adjusted manually from 3Hz to 50Hz and the amplitude can be adjusted from 0 to 100 providing the most fragile user to the most athletic person complete control.

TurboSonic also has 7 pre-set auto modes (each sessions is 10 minutes ) 3 tailored for weight loss and 3 are tailored towards strength training. All modes work the core effectively.

If you ever tried a mechanical vibrations platform, you will be blown away on how natural TurboSonic feels to the body. We highly recommend everyone try a TurboSonic before investing into outdated technology. You will not be disappointed!