Whole Body Vibration Machine Reviews

How to Properly Select a Platform – Part II

August 2, 2011 By Gabriel Ettenson 101 Comments

Basics of Vibration Training: Platform Types

We could categorize vibration training technology into two main categories:

• Pivotal

• Lineal

Some refer to a 3rd category, triplanar, however the majority of triplanar platform movement occurs via a uniform motion on the vertical axis and therefore falls under the category of Lineal. This lack of distinction is further supported by the fact that the majority of Lineal platforms, being incapable of delivering movement purely on the vertical axis, also have a 3D component. Lastly, worth consideration, is that some sources claim that 3D vibration is nothing more than a marketing term used to disguise a poorly manufactured platform that cannot control its vertical movement and thus moves excessively in the horizontal planes. With all this in mind, below you’ll find a diagram of the two primary platform types that we will discuss and the typical frequency and displacement ranges for each. Also take note of the other common terms often used to describe each method.

Pivotal: Triangular Oscillating, Oscillating, Side Alternating, Rotational, Tilting, Teeter-Totter.

Lineal: Vertical, Synchronous, Uniform, Piston, Flat, 3D, Elliptical, Triplanar
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Filed Under: Archive, Ask The Expert, Machine Reviews, Research

How to Properly Select a Platform: Part I

June 12, 2011 By Gabriel Ettenson 29 Comments

Let’s begin the first part of this article by stating that all vibration platforms on the market have some, albeit limited in many cases, health value. It’s not about pivotal, lineal, sonic, triplanar etc., they all are capable of helping people improve their level of health. As will be discussed later however, some platforms have evidenced through research that they can provide these benefits. Other respectable manufacturers, having not enough research behind them yet, offer quality construction and superior engineering (as demonstrated by proper engineering tests performed on their platforms) to support their technology’s capabilities. These manufacturers, with time, will all likely demonstrate their efficacy through research. For the most part however, the majority of manufacturers simply choose to avoid making an effort. Instead, they resort to “piggybacking” on these other companies’ time and effort. These manufacturers, chasing the almighty dollar, make false claims and sell inferior equipment to the unknowing consumer. The majority of this equipment, often sold for “affordable” prices (and often made for pennies), is the primary factor behind the unfortunate slow growth of, and the increased skepticism held by others towards, the Vibration Training industry.
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Filed Under: Archive, Ask The Expert, Machine Reviews, Research

The Price You Pay: Crazy Fit Massage

July 20, 2009 By Ted Kallmyer 42 Comments

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. [Read more...]

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What is Power Plate’s Acceleration Training?

June 14, 2009 By Ted Kallmyer 17 Comments

Just over two years ago Power Plate began to call their new machines “Acceleration Trainers”.

Now they have trademarked the term “Acceleration Training” for exclusive use in their marketing around the world and especially in North America. [Read more...]

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Warning to Home Users: Here’s How You Are Getting Cheated

October 14, 2007 By Site Administrator 172 Comments

crazyfit width= 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. [Read more...]

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SoloFlex: Weight Loss Claims Untrue

July 9, 2007 By Site Administrator 13 Comments

US independent consumer testing magazine Consumer Reports took the SoloFlex for a test drive and was not impressed.

Take a pass. There was no significant increase in calories burned when standing on the vibrating board. Most users who did more than stand said the WBV didnt enhance their workout. Some panelists said the board was too small–a few actually fell off. Some also complained of headaches, blurry vision, or back pain

How They Tested

Six people stood on the device for 5 minutes, at medium and high vibration, while a metabolic gas analyzer gauged the calories they burned (our measure of a good workout). Six other people performed three Pilates sessions on the board, two with vibration and one without. And we had three experts in the science of human movement assess the studies Soloflex cites to support its claims.

The Response From SoloFlex

Soloflex does not make weight-loss claims for our WBV Platform nor do we suggest that it replace regular exercise except for those who cannot exercise because of physical limitations. [...]

It takes weeks to see the benefits of any type of exercise program. Consumer Reports magazine should do their homework before publishing such nonsense. Supermarket tabloid reporting may be good for increasing circulation for magazines that do not accept advertising but it does not serve consumers. (source)

Reality Check
Spending 5 minutes to test a piece of fitness equipment is pathetic. It’s a bit like doing a set of dumbbell arm curls, then immediately testing for a strength increase… because there is no apparent gain the dumbbells must not work.

On the flip side – and WBV marketing literature that claims instant weight loss benefits is foolish and misleading. The same must surely be said for cardiovascular gains.

SoloFlex claims their vibrating board will “enhance Pilates, Tai Chi, Yoga and all types of stretching, freebody exercises and weight training” – which is so vague as to be almost meaningless.

Filed Under: Machine Reviews