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With so many products on the market, what should a
consumer look for in a quality whole body vibration
machine?
1. VIBRATION TYPE- There are three basic types of
platforms available on the market: PIVOTAL,
TRI-PLANAR, and LINEAL. They are all different and
offer their own unique benefits.
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PIVOTAL vibration is one of the most tested vibrations.
It mimics the natural action of walking by pivoting
rapidly back and forth on an axis thus causing its
users hips to follow. Known for its ability to
increase balance, core strength and
flexibility, PIVOTAL vibration is good for injury
recovery and advanced lower body training.
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TRI-PLANAR vibration is a spin off of lineal vibration
and boasts a 360 degree directional vibration. Many
TRI-Planar platforms are a bit larger and are great
for conditioning the upper body. Known for it’s higher
frequencies, TRI-Planar vibration is great for those
who plan to use their product for massage and pain
relief.
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LINEAL vibration is an up down motion characterized by
high frequency vibration. Many of these products come
with arm straps for isometric arm holds and advanced
postural changes. LINEAL vibration is great for
general fitness and massage. |
2.HOME UNIT OR PRO UNIT- Home units are fairly basic
and don’t have that much power or adjustability.
PRO units usually offer more settings, larger platforms, durability,
adjustability and quality construction . A
PRO unit can usually take abuse while a home unit will
most likely break in a commercial setting.
3.TIMER FUNCTIONS: Some products force you to
reset the machine every 30 to 60 seconds.-- Get something that can
run up 10 to 15 minutes non-stop. We find people
often lose interest if they have to be bothered with
constantly resetting the machine for every position.
4. INTERFACE--- How easy is it to use? Keep it
simple! Your screen should be easy to read, practical
and informative. The fewer buttons there are, the easier it
is for you to get on, train properly and get off.
5. ADJUSTABLITY-- How many speed settings are there?
Most home units have 1 or 2 ( high or low) speed
settings. Pro units go up to 35 or more settings with
programmable options.
6.PLATFORM SIZE: DO NOT PURCHASE A PRODUCT WHERE
YOUR FEET ALONE BARELY FIT ON THE PLATFORM. The main
goal of WBV is to work your whole body. It would seem
nearly impossible to adjust positions on a platform
barely large enough for your feet. Look for a product
with larger or at least wider platforms that allow for
deeper and wider positioned squats, push ups, sit ups
etc.
7.MOTOR-- Ask the retailer about the motor.
Ultimately its the motor that drives this machine. If
the motor fails or faults and begins losing power- you
can drop your frequency into an unsafe zone....
Ask if the motor is DC or BLDC-- BLDC Motors are known
for being extremely reliable, durable and quiet.
8.WEIGHT AND MAX LOAD Heavier units are a good choice because they usually
have a lot of steel reinforcement. Most PRO units
usually have a heavier and more powerful motor that
can handle a higher max load.
Max load is the maximum amount of weight you can place
on the machine---- BUYER BEWARE.
Many manufacturers
inflate the max load. Many of these cheaper models
were created for Asian countries where the average
user weighs less than the average American. Make sure that your warranty
is fair and guaranteed. If you are using a
machine that can't actually handle your weight-- you
may cause it to drop into an unsafe frequency. If your machine
strains in any way when you get on it then send it back.
As consumers and user of whole body vibration, the
staff here at Medvibe believes that you should get what
you pay for. True WBV products are pricey. You
deserve the best machine for your money.
Click here to view PDF comparison chart.
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