Whole Body Vibration
Whole Body Vibration simply explained!
It goes like this, a voluntary reflex is what we use to walk, jump, run etc. During this movement you use about 40% of your muscle fibres. You think about it and you move, simple right? But think about this, when someone pushes you, you automatically push back to stop yourself from falling over. How does that happen? As with most things that are normal, we seldom look at it closely. It’s called an “Involuntary Stretch Reflex” and it’s what we use to balance. Our body has an automatic response built into it to try and equal the force being pushed against it (an eccentric contraction). The important thing to note here is your body will recruit approximately 100% of you muscle fibres during this moment, no expense is spared to stop yourself from falling over. And your muscles are also able to move a lot quicker in this response mode than you ever thought possible.
Whole Body Vibration sessions last ten minutes and when combined with dynamic movements or deep muscle bearing positions, have been reported to provide you with approximately the same benefits of a one hour workout at the gym. It is fast, convenient and you won’t be stiff and sore.
Here’s what WBV will do for you:
- Rapid inch loss
- Builds and tones muscles
- Helps to build bone density
- Drains the lymphatic system
- Increases circulation
- Increased flexibility and range of motion
- Increases HGH by 360% & decreases stress hormone cortisol by 32%
- Better posture
- Improved balance
- Improved sleep patterns
- Improved mood and more!
Who Can Benefit from Whole Body Vibration?
Anyone that is wanting to increase their energy levels, strengthen muscles and improve general health.
Athletes
Whole Body Vibration is used by athletes, trainers and coaches as part of their training. It has been adopted by sports teams including the Toronto Blue Jays, Calgary Flames, New York Giants, Toronto Maple Leafs, San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, Dallas Mavericks, New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, Anaheim Ducks, Atlanta Braves, and Philadelphia Flyers. In 1998, Dutch Olympic trainer Guus van der Meer adopted vibration technology for Olympic athletes, since then it has been used by dozens of Olympic athletes including some Canadians.
Muscle Tone & Strength
By engaging 97%-100% of the muscle fibers through the involuntary stretch reflex response, you can expect Whole Body Vibration to target the Stabilizing Muscles and create over all Muscle Tone & Strength, conventional exercise is reported to engage approximately 40%-50% of muscle fibers!
Inch & Weight loss
Whole Body Vibration works in several ways to help dissolve excess body fat. It increases metabolism, It increases lean muscle tissue, It increases blood circulation and lymphatic drainage there by removing excess fluids and toxins, Human Growth Hormone secretion increases dramatically (360%) and Cortisol levels are reduced by 32%. People who use Whole Body Vibration for 10 minutes three times a week lose significantly more body fat than those who engage in aerobic activity alone and another factor that cannot be ignored is that Vibration Users tend to be more compliant than the average Gym user!
Osteoporosis
WBV is recommended by HEALTH CANADA and the SURGEON GENERAL of the United States* as one of the therapies that can be used in the fight against Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that affects over 1.4 million Canadians. Bones become fragile and more likely to break if left untreated. Bone density can increase significantly if whole body vibration treatments are taken three times per week over the course of twelve months.
Arthritis, Osteoarthritis and Rheumatism
Whole Body Vibration is proven to help increase blood circulation, flexibility and range of motion without putting stress on the joints. It is a non strenuous form of exercise that has been reported to dramatically ease the pain and discomfort of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatism.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia
Whole Body Vibration increases blood circulation and improves flexibility and range of motion and has a dramatic effect on those suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. Clients have reported increased energy levels, reduced aches and pains and better moods.
Back Problems
Weakened back muscles respond very well to the benefits of Whole Body Vibration. By engaging and activating the muscles, they become stronger and less prone to injury. Whole Body Vibration also significantly strengthens the core stabilizer muscles which assist in reducing strain on the weakened back muscles.
Multiple Sclerosis
Individuals with MS are unable to exercise or train properly because the brain is no longer capable of communicating with the muscles. Without proper exercise the muscles will eventually atrophy and cause the person to become reduced in their ability to function. WBV allows these individuals to experience strengthening of the muscles, improved balance and coordination.
Diabetes
Through the engagement of the Stretch Reflex and therefore 97% of the muscle fibers, Whole Body Vibration has shown to rapidly increase circulation, as all Diabetics know lack of circulation is a major concern and can lead to life threatening conditions.
Stroke
Complications after a stroke affect not only individual muscles, but also their interaction, which is critical for posture and movement. In addition the loss of muscle strength and muscle power causes an altered perception of the body. Movements and muscle tone are disrupted, with little to no control over partial movement. Using Vibration the muscles can be trained and spasticity and muscle tone can effectively be controlled. Due to the high number of repetitions during Vibration Training residual functions are rapidly activated.
Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular Dystrophy is a group of diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. In muscular dystrophy, abnormal genes (mutations) interfere with the production of proteins needed to form healthy muscle. Side-alternating vibration therapy is a rehabilitation intervention that has shown promise in a number of different neuromuscular disorders, and has the potential to preserve strength, functional mobility, and bone mass.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that affects mostly the lungs, but also the pancreas, liver, kidneys, and intestine. It results from a mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which is responsible for producing a protein that helps control the movement of salt and water in and out of cells. Some studies have suggested that WBV may help loosen and clear mucus from the airways, which could be beneficial for people with CF who have difficulty clearing mucus from their lungs. However, it is important to note that WBV therapy should not be considered a substitute for other CF treatments, such as airway clearance techniques and medications.
Before You Engage in Whole Body Vibration
We recommend consulting with your physician. We invite you to join us at our High River studio to experience Whole Body Vibration. We will be unable to offer you Whole Body Vibration if any of the following contraindications apply to you:
Acceleration Training / Acceleration Therapy
- Rapid inch loss
- Pregnancy
- Epilepsy
- Pacemaker
- Acute thrombosis
- Serious cardiovascular disease
- Acute hernia
- Recent hip or knee implants
- Severe diabetes, severe migraine
- Recent wounds from surgery
- Tumours
- Phlebitis
- Recently placed IUDs (6 weeks), metal pins or plates (12 months)
- Active Kidney or Gall stones