Whole Body Vibration Training
Whole body vibration (WBV) dates back to Ancient Greece and more recently has been reinvented as a form of exercise. In the 1800’s Russian physician Gustav Zander created a vibration machine for therapeutic purposes. In 1895 Dr John Harvey Kellog (as in Cornflakes) developed a vibrating chair that he introduced into his health practice.
Health and wellness was the focus of vibration technology engineered by Germans in the 1960’s and in the space race the Soviets quickly realised that WBV had benefits for their cosmonauts. The technology was also quickly taken up and used by Russian atheletes training for the Olympics.
WBV is used in the 21st Century for a variety of purposes in both medical and sporting facilities, offering a form of physical exercise that has fitness and health benefits, and there have been over 400 contemporary papers published on WBV.
Whole body vibration (WBV) technology is grounded in cutting edge scientific research. A growing awareness of whole body vibration and its effects are the focus of research by many scientists from around the world. Research has demonstrated that WBV may have similar effects to a treadmill in reducing weight and that just 20 minutes a day on vibrating platform over the course of three months reduced fat.
Some of the benefits linked to WBV include;
-
Decreased cellulite (dimpled, lumpy skin),
-
Blood circulation,
-
Increases in collagen for firm skin and wrinkle reduction,
-
Emotional balance (combats depression & anxiety),
-
Lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and
-
Loss of visceral fat and weight.
-
Fitness and Well-being
-
Flexibility, Speed and Power
-
Rehabilitation and Mobility
-
Bone Health
The last four benefits are the focus of our specific training but the other benefits are a welcome bonus!
Whole body vibration achieves its training goals by standing, sitting, lying or doing exercises on equipment specifically designed to oscillate, usually on a horizontal plane, at frequencies that force your body’s muscles to contract and relax repeatedly each second.
Initially, whole body vibration therapy (WBVT) was developed for use by athletes to improve the effectiveness of their training.
The vibration platform generates signals that are transferred into the body’s tissues, tendons and muscles. The increase in muscle contractions contributes to improved muscle strength, co-ordination and balance.
The side to side rocking action engages rapid-fire involuntary muscle contractions without any effort from you. This helps stimulate your muscles without using unpleasant electric shocks – unlike many circulation machines!
