Whole Body Vibration exercise is becoming a popular method of training, and for good reason, not only can vibration training work your muscles in a way that conventional training cannot, but also using a vibration machine has numerous proven therapeutic benefits too.

As more and more companies appear on the market each week, most giving conflicting information, it becomes difficult for consumers to know who to believe. In this article I hope to share some basic information backed by evidence as a guide for consumers when purchasing a Whole Body Vibration machine.

The first thing you need to understand before buying a vibration machine, is that there are basically just two types of vibration machines available, pivotal and vertical. A pivotal vibration plate vibrates from a centre axis in a see-saw like action. A vertical vibration plate vibrates straight up and down in a jack hammer like action. Both machines have proven benefits, and there is very little, if any, evidence to suggest one method is better than the other.

As a consumer you will find marketers will tell you one method is better than the other, if you find this, ask for evidence and don’t take just their word for it. Personally I prefer pivotal vibration, with vertical vibration I feel there is too much unwanted vibration in the head, however I know others that prefer vertical vibration. I always suggest trying both methods first and see what you prefer. Pivotal platforms are sometimes referred to as oscillating platforms, as vertical platforms are sometimes referred to as lineal platforms.

Both platform types can have two variables that can be adjusted to produce different vibratory effects. The two variables of a vibration platform are,

1. Amplitude (vertical displacement)

2. Frequency (platform speed)

By adjusting either of these two variables we also change things such as, the number of times per second our muscles contract, the amount G force exerted on our body, the degree of difficulty in stabilising, the flow of blood through our body etc. Research and common sense tell us that different frequencies will have different effects on our body. Depending on what effects you are hoping to benefit from, will determine what frequency you should run your machine.

Next it is important to understand the recommended, researched, and safe variables when using each type of vibration platform.  For pivotal vibration the frequency range should be between 1 and 30Hz, the amplitude range should be no greater than 6.5mm (13mm maximum displacement). For vertical vibration the frequency range should be between 25 and 50Hz, the amplitude range should be no greater than 3mm (6mm maximum displacement).

If you find a platform that has listed specifications outside of this range, chances are the specifications are incorrect, or the machine could likely produce harmful effects. Today the biggest threat to consumers appears to be coming from the pivotal machine market. For this reason, and for the fact that I prefer a pivotal unit, I will now discuss pivotal machines only.

When purchasing a pivotal vibration machine, you should always ensure the platform has a full range of frequency, many machines being sold on the market today only reach frequencies below 20Hz. Such machines often make claims based on research that was performed on frequencies beyond the limits of their machine. Below is just a small sample of extracts from studies on a pivotal unit, indicating the frequency that was used.

The frequency of the vibrations used in this study was set at 26Hz Adaptive responses of human skeletal muscle to vibration exposure.  In a parallel experiment (Bosco et al. in press) it has been noted that during vibration at 30 Hz the EMG signal of the biceps brachii muscle reached its greatest activity, thus this frequency was chosen in the present study Influence of vibration on mechanical power and electromyogram activity in human arm flexor muscles.

The treatment group underwent whole body vibrations at a frequency of 26 Hz New trends in science: The use of vibrations for enhancing performance  Objective: To test whether training on a high-frequency (28Hz) vibrating platform improves muscle power and bone characteristics in postmenopausal women. Conclusion: Reflex muscular contractions induced by vibration training improve muscle power in postmenopausal women. High-Frequency Vibration Training Increases Muscle Power in Postmenopausal Women

The whole vibration stimulus from the sole of the left and right feet was 3 minutes one time (shake frequency 25Hz) X 3 sets with a set interval was 10 minutes. Effect of Whole Body Vibration Stimulus and Voluntary Contraction on Motoneuron Pool Vibration frequency was gradually increased during the first minute from 0 to 26 Hz and maintained at that frequency for the remaining five minutes. Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Lower Body Flexibility and Strength

Vibration was with an amplitude a=1.05, a frequency of 26Hz, and hence a peak acceleration of 147 ms, or 15g. Acute Physiological Effects of exhaustive WBV exercise in man

As you can see, a large number of studies suggest using a vibration platform at higher frequencies is beneficial for increasing muscle and strength. Therefore it is this one of the benefits you are looking for, it is important your machine can produce these higher frequencies. Not only that but, as you can see below research also suggests that the higher range of frequencies have far more benefits than the lower frequency range.

5-10Hz Optimum frequency range for,
Balance and Stability

11-16Hz Optimum frequency range for,
Relaxation of muscles
Injury rehabilitation
Blood circulation and lymphatic drainage
Mobilisation of joints
Healing scar tissue

17-22Hz Optimum frequency range for,
muscle strength
Improved Co-ordination
Blood circulation and lymphatic drainage
Incontinence

23-30Hz Optimum frequency range for,
muscle strength
Hormonal changes
Neurological stimulation
Increased mobility
Increased bone density (low amplitude)
Blood circulation and lymphatic drainage
Decreased lower back pain
Improved muscle tone

Ensuring a pivotal machine has a full range of frequency is just one of many factors you should check before buying a vibration machine. Other factors include ensuring the machine can give you a frequency reading, ensuring the machine gives an accurate reading of frequency. For more information and information on other factors please read more on our website.

By: Murray Seaton
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Whole Body Vibration Consumer Basics
Influence of vibration on mechanical power and electromyogram activity in human arm flexor muscles. The treatment group underwent whole body vibrations at a frequency of 26 Hz New trends.

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Elliptical trainers have some great features not easily found in other types of home exercise equipment. You are sure to get a low-impact, cardio-friendly, total body workout when you work out regularly on one of these fun machines.

Elliptical exercise machines are becoming more and more popular and sophisticated in their overall design since their introduction in the 90s. It is estimated that millions of Americans use elliptical trainers in their home gyms. The reason for their popularity is the low-impact design and total body workout these machines provide. Elliptical exercise machines are hard to beat when it comes to improving cardiovascular health. They are safe for older people, beginners and even expectant mothers, yet challenging enough for the most serious fitness buff.

Low Impact Design Prevents Injuries

Experts agree that weight-bearing activities such as jogging and aerobics are necessary to maintain healthy bone density. Weight-baring exercises include all activities where you remain standing on your feet. The problem is that many of these exercises are hard on the joints by jarring the bones and muscles. You may aggravate old injuries or even injure yourself all over again. Knees, ankles, hips and the back are all prone to feel the impact of these types of workouts. Therapists often prescribe low impact exercises for people recovering from an accident, people who suffer from arthritis or pregnant women. This is where elliptical exercise machines fit in.

Elliptical Trainers Reduce Stress on Joints

Elliptical exercise machines not only provide weight bearing exercises (which we know improves bone density), but they do so without any stress on your joints. You stand with your feet on small, movable platforms (the foot pedals) which move up and down in an elliptical orbit as you pedal on the machine. The movement is smooth and flowing and in the same elliptical pattern that the human foot follows when we walk or run. But unlike running outdoors or on a treadmill, there is no impact on your joints. Since your feet never leave the foot pedals, it makes for a much safer workout.

How Do Elliptical Machines Compare to Other Types of Exercise Equipment?

Some people compare the workout they get on elliptical exercise machines to pedaling on a stationary bike while standing up. Others have said they are like a cross between stair climbers and cross country skiing. But stair steppers come to a stop before you reverse direction between up and down strokes, whereas elliptical trainers provide a continuous, smooth motion. Users also like features such as the ability to vary the trainer’s incline and resistance settings to further reduce repetitive impact on their joints.

Elliptical exercise machines give you all the advantages of weight bearing exercises without the hard impact on your joints and muscles. Such a quality low-impact workout is not easily duplicated with other types of home exercise equipment.

Upper and Lower Body Workout

The majority of elliptical exercise machines are equipped with upper handle bars that give users a truly total body workout. Sculpting your biceps, triceps and other upper body muscles while increasing your calorie burn and cardiovascular impact is easily accomplished by moving the trainer’s upper handle bars. On some elliptical trainers the upper handle bars move independently from the foot pedals, on other machines they are synchronized with the movement of your feet. Fitness pros say that resting your arms on the frame of the machine or the upper body handles decreases the overall impact of the workout. They stress the importance of letting your legs and torso carry all of your weight so that you get the highest level of total body workout.

Many elliptical exercise machines allow the user to adjust the resistance setting and change the incline. These adjustments increase the intensity level of your workout and also target different sets of muscles. The standing position and motion used to operate the machine provide for excellent hip extension and flexion as well as outstanding knee range of motion. Few home gyms compare to an elliptical machine for a total body workout.

Improve Your Heart

Elliptical exercise machines provide some of the best cardiovascular workouts of any home fitness equipment. The benefits for your heart come from the fact that you are getting a total body workout and using many muscle groups. Since you can adjust incline, speed and other factors, you can maximize cardio impact, making elliptical trainers more effective than weight lifting, leg presses, or other less comprehensive types of exercise. Elliptical machines with built in, programmable computers and heart rate monitors help ensure that you are getting the most out of your cardiovascular workouts. Top quality machines have up to 20 different programs to keep you motivated.

Less Exertion Makes Exercising Fun

Since the elliptical motion is a natural body movement, the majority of exercisers feel that this type of workout is actually fun and easy to sustain. It feels easy to use an elliptical machine and it seems that less effort is required. And although less exertion is required, the calorie burn and benefits to your heart are on a level equal or greater than treadmills, stair steppers and other types of home exercise equipment.
Regular exercise is the key to maintaining good cardiovascular health. And since elliptical exercise machines are fun to use, you are more likely to work out regularly.

Great for All Fitness Levels

Just about any commercial gym these days is equipped with a set of elliptical trainers. Home gym owners of any fitness level appreciate the low impact workouts and cardiovascular benefits of elliptical exercise machines. Now anyone looking to get in shape and lose weight, or even train for athletic events, can achieve these goals on a machine that they look forward to use.

Shopping for an Elliptical Trainer

Elliptical technology is forever evolving and consumers have dozens of different brands and hundreds of models to choose from. Prices vary from as little as $180 for basic budget trainers to well over $4000 for top-of-the-line machines. Look for an elliptical exercise machine with a sturdy frame, adequately sized foot pedals, magnetic resistance, upper body handles, a variety of workout programs and adjustable inclines. With these features you are sure to get a low-impact, cardio-friendly, total body workout.

Copyright 2006 AllEllipticals.com

About the Author:

Dave Casey is a freelance writer for AllEllipticals.com. The site takes the confusion out of shopping online for an elliptical trainer with elliptical trainer reviews and comparison charts covering all major brands.

By Kevin Urban
Published: 11/2/2006

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Elliptical Exercise Machines Provide Low Impact, Total Body Workouts While Improving Cardiovascular. Ever since their introduction on the fitness scene several years ago.

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And since elliptical exercise machines are fun to use, you are more likely to work out regularly. Elliptical exercise machines are hard to beat when it comes to improving cardiovascular.

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Having your own elliptical equipment is also much more convenient than working out in a fitness club or gym. Make the most of your time and money by shopping online for your elliptical machine.

Elliptical equipment exercise is an innovative solution for people who want to start a training regimen at home. This type of home fitness equipment provides the comprehensive benefits associated with using not only one exercise machine but three. These across-the-board benefits include those possible from working out on a treadmill, exercise bike and a stair climber.

That’s pretty awesome performance from just one specific piece of home fitness equipment, wouldn’t you say? By developing a personal exercise routine that incorporates an elliptical trainer workout, you can maximize your efforts in working towards achieving your health and fitness goals.

Although ellipticals may cost more than any of the three above-mentioned machines individually, it is certainly less expensive to equip your home gym with an elliptical trainer than to purchase each of those machines separately. Also, consider the time that it would take you working out on three different trainers as opposed to the amount of time involved in exercising with one machine alone.

Investing in your own elliptical exercise machine can save you a considerable amount of money over time. When you think about the high cost you encounter in purchasing an expensive membership to work out at an upscale fitness club or gym, it’s simply more practical to have your own elliptical trainer at home. Having your own elliptical equipment is also much more convenient than working out in a fitness club or gym.

You can arrange your time and exercise according to your personal training schedule instead of having to time your fitness regimen around other people’s schedules. How often have you paid a hefty membership fee only to have limited access to the equipment available? The only time you can make it to the club or gym you have to wait to use the machines that you specifically want to use for your workouts.

And, since workouts using elliptical cross trainers have become so popular in recent years, you definitely have to wait in line to use the equipment. It’s a never-ending rush to make it to the fitness club or gym, then a never-ending wait to gain access to the exercising machines once you get there.

You can also make the most of your time and money by shopping online for equipment for your personal elliptical machine workout. You’ll find a wider selection of more competitively priced home exercise equipment on the Internet than in traditional retail stores. In additional to more competitive pricing, you’ll also find a more diverse selection of available styles and models in workout machines on the Internet. It’s much quicker and easier to view all the options in home training equipment on the web than it is to visit bricks-and-mortar retailers. Visit some or all of the merchants featured on this site to reap the benefits of exercising with elliptical trainers.

About the Author:

David Casey has contributed numerous articles for http://www.AllEllipticals.com, a comprehensive consumer guide to the best ellipticals. Visit the elliptical trainer review guide to find the best rated cross trainer in your price range.

By Kevin Urban
Published: 1/31/2007

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Remember, elliptical machines are one of the best, if not the best, pieces of exercise equipment out there today. Work yourself out to good health! Tags: Elliptical Machines.

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whole body vibration machine (WBV). These machines employ low magnitude and low speed vibrations which are gentle in nature.

The principle of the WBV is that the body consists of billions of cells. These cells need individual bundles of energy steadily and on a continuous basis so that they can perform the tasks assigned to them. Normally it is not possible to ensure an equitable distribution of energy to each independent cell. There could be numerous reasons for this. Briefly expressed – our lifestyle prevents us from energizing our body and its individual cells constantly. This results in obesity. A well designed whole body vibration machine, on the other hand, ensures even distribution of energy throughout the body. The WBV therefore, is especially useful for people who are on the go.

Research on WBV
Research has been carried out on post menopausal women who naturally tend to develop osteoporosis. Research findings have confirmed that regular use of vibration platforms results in improved hip bone mass density besides muscle strength, both dynamic and isometric. The findings have therefore recommended the use of WBV for prevention of fractures and falls in respect of older women.

Advantages of WBV
- Brings about a strengthening of muscles, as much as 50% over 3 weeks.
- Combats osteoporosis and improves bone density.
- An improvement in coordination and the sense of balance.
- Reduction of pains in joints and back.
- Increases metabolic rate and reduces fat.
- Improvement in blood circulation and oxygen absorption.
- Reduction in cellulite.
- Reduction in blood pressure.
- A mood elevator. Creates a feeling of well being.
- Raises testosterone levels.

The Cost
The cost of a portable model WBV can very based on the features and the design complexity.

Contraindications
– Pregnant women.
- Those with medical restrictions.
- Those who have had surgery recently or implants in joint, foot, hip or knee.

By: Anirban Bhattacharya
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Myself Webmaster of www.hypervibe.com.au/ – a source of fitness equipments.We offer

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