Since Whole Body Vibration equipment is becoming more popular, not only in gyms, spas and fitness centers, but also in private homes, certain myths and misconceptions have been circulating. The purpose of this article is to deconstruct those myths using facts.
1st Myth: Whole Body Vibration exercise, training and therapy is something new.
Fact: Biomechanical vibration, in various forms, has been around for years. Local vibration has been applied to the spinal cord to fatigue muscles and decrease spasticity. Other forms of local vibration have been used to break up scar tissue adhesions by increasing blood flow to the area thereby increasing local mobility. Chiropractors have been using localized vibration for years as an integral part of their practice. Whole Body Vibration exercise is an alternative to generate the effects of vibration throughout the entire body as part of a workout regime.
But even earlier, Russian scientists began real studies of Whole Body Vibration and fine-tuned this technology using it to help rehabilitate their cosmonauts after returning from space, they found it helped repair muscles from atrophy and replaced lost bone mass and density due to the weightlessness of space.
2nd Myth: Whole Body Vibration produces adverse effects similar to certain forms of occupational vibration.
Fact: Occupational vibration effects are determined by amount or dose of vibration exposure per day. Negative health effects of occupational vibration result from extended periods of contact between a worker and the vibrating surface. This is why truck vibration contributed to so many lower back problems for example. In addition, occupational vibration is cumulative over time and with exposure for several hours a day, four or five days a week it’s no wonder this produces so many significant adverse effects. The time recommended for a Whole Body Vibration exercise session is only ten minutes per day, repeated three to four times per week.
3rd Myth: Whole Body Vibration exercise should be limited to athletic people or those who are already physically buff and can handle the stress of this type of exercise.
Fact: Whole Body Vibration exercise has been used by high level athletes to give them an extra competitive edge. However, more and more hospitals, rehabilitation, therapy and chiropractic centers are beginning to use Whole Body Vibration exercise and therapy to increase overall function and relieve pain. New research is showing the multitude of positive benefits that Whole Body Vibration exercise is having for the elderly population. In addition, people that are compromised by all sorts of conditions and health issues are finding Whole Body Vibration exercise a quick, easy and safe way to improve their condition and get them back on the road to optimal health. So from the triathlon level athlete to an individual that is unable to engage in conventional exercise due to physical limitations or conditions, and most everyone in between, Whole Body Vibration has much to offer.
4th Myth: There’s no research to support the claims about the benefits of Whole Body Vibration machines.
Fact: Actually, more and more research is coming out every month in peer reviewed scientific journals showing the positive effects of Whole Body Vibration exercise and therapy. Additionally, numerous research studies are being conducted at various North American universities, medical colleges and chiropractic colleges. As the positive benefits seen in clinical practice are continuously increasing so is the interest of the research community.
5th Myth: All Whole Body Vibration machines are the same.
Fact: As with any therapeutic modality, it is important to do your own research, assessing
which machine is the right one for you. Safety is extremely important, in addition to understanding that you are getting a consistent dose of exercise every time with some machines. Smaller, cheaper machines may not care about limiting lateral motion, which increases shearing forces on the joints. As usual the old adage stands; “you get what you pay for.” It’s important to determine how you will be using it and what your goals are, another consideration is who and how many will be using the equipment and whether you require a commercial machine for high volume use or something smaller for general home use. The Whole Body Vibration platforms supplied by Kwikfit4u are highly suitable for all kinds of individuals, of all ages, various conditions, and states of health and recovery.
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After about a week to 10 days, you should begin to notice that your clothes are fitting better. By measuring your upper arms, thighs, calves, waist and hips both before you begin using a Whole Body Vibration machine and again every few weeks, you’ll see a progression of lost inches in these areas. You’ll also become aware of a reduction of the appearance of cellulite.
Now we’ll get back to the two main exercises a person will be performing during their ten minute Whole Body Vibration session.
Of course, this would have to be under the medical supervision of a trusted medical professional, specialist or physiotherapist and would include following the recommendations of trained Whole Body Vibration instructor. Because there are currently several studies being conducted on the effects Whole Body Vibration training and therapy on a variety physical problems, this list of contraindications may need to be adjusted in the near future. Recent scientific research studies have shown that there is an entire range of ailments and conditions where Whole Body Vibration training may play an important role in therapy and rehabilitation, such as stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Osteoporosis and Parkinson’s disease to name a few.