St Louis Wellness Center services Whole_Body_Vibration

Whole Body Vibration (WBV)

“Burn calories and increase muscle strength in the same workout at the same time…10 minutes a day…3 times per week”

What is Whole Body Vibration (WBV)?

The Whole Body Vibration Machine is a platform that you stand on which produces vibrations offering a stimulus to the body. The energy is safely and effectively transferred to your body, stimulating every cell – your muscles, your bones and your soft tissue. The body reacts involuntarily with multiple muscle contractions in order to re-balance you on the plate. The quick movement of the platform also increases the “g” force of the body. As acceleration increases, your body will feel like it weighs more thus mimicking weight-bearing exercise. The result is less stress on the joints, ligaments and tendons when compared to regular resistance training.

How it works

Traditional whole body vibration machines work with what is called Harmonic Motion, which moves the user in an up and down motion on the platform with a relatively high amount of amplitude, which refers to the actual physical distance of movement. The number of times that the machine platform actually moves in one second is referred to as the frequency and is measured in Hz. Most machines will have a low frequency and a high amplitude which is good for individuals that are looking for weight loss ability.

The other common type of vibration plate machines utilize Linear Motion, which moves the platform forward and back and side to side and is often used to help build muscle strength. The way to achieve increased muscle strength is to use a machine that has very low amplitude but has a much higher frequency of motion (Hz).

The iSmart technology utilizes both motion types simultaneously resulting in the ability to increase muscle strength and burn calories

History of Whole Body Vibration

Vibration exercise has been researched and studied for over 50 years utilizing a frequency range that has been proven both safe and effective. The technology was originally developed by the Russian space program to preserve muscle and bone mass in zero gravity conditions. These researchers found that it not only stopped the loss but strengthened muscle tissue and increased bone density. They then began using this technology to prevent injury to their Olympic athletes and to rehabilitate them from injury.

In the early 1990’s, after the fall of Communism in Russia, Whole Body Vibration technology was introduced to the Orient and Europe. It continues to be used extensively, studied and enhanced. After decades of research, NASA, many professional athletes, sports teams, medical centers, spas and health clubs have embraced this technology. Practitioners in the United States are becoming aware of its systemic effects and therapeutic applications.

10 MINUTES OF VIBRATION = 1 HOUR WORKOUT

When you workout you are targeting one muscle group at a time. However, when you are on a Whole Body Vibration Machine, 97% of all muscles are engaged and forced to respond at once just to keep you stable. Couple this with also working under a much greater “g” force, your health and fitness results are accelerated. Add weights, resistance bands, etc. and your body is working much harder than it would on stable ground.
The result… more benefits in far less time than conventional exercise.

Who should use Whole Body Vibration?

There are health benefits possible for everyone from the very young to the elderly.
Whole Body Vibration machines are also a great alternative for people who enjoy an active lifestyle, but do not have the time for a lengthy work-out three or more times a week. However, you don’t have to be an athlete or in need of physical therapy to benefit from using Whole Body Vibration machines.

What are the benefits?

The benefits range from an immediate improvement in blood circulation, to a variety of other measurable outcomes, such as increased muscle strength and flexibility, better range of motion, better core conditioning and stability, faster recovery, enhanced metabolism, increased bone mineral density, reduction of the stress hormone cortisol, elevation of Human Growth Hormone (HGH), improved lymphatic flow, decrease in fat and cellulite, and many more. It has also been used to improve conditions of Osteoporosis, Diabetic Neuropathy, Fibromyalgia, MS, Parkinson’s, Incontinence, Arthritis, Knee, Back, and Joint Pain, Autism, Attention Deficit Disorder and more.

Contra-indications

Consult with your family physician before starting this or any exercise program. This equipment should not be used by children or people with the following conditions without consulting a physician:

- Pregnancy - Recently Installed Implants

- Recent Surgery - Acute Thrombosis

- Artificial Joints - Epilepsy

- Recent Fractures - Gall Bladder or Kidney Stones

- Severe Migraines - Severe Diabetes

- Pacemaker - Severe Cardiovascular Disease

2011 PRICING PACKAGES

Single Sessions* 5-Session Card* 10-Session Card*

Vibra-Pro $7 $29 $49

Combo Package w/Sauna $15 $59 $99

Unlimited Packages***

Monthly Semi-Annual Annual

Vibra-Pro $65 $349 $649

Combo Package w/Sauna $125 $675 $1199

**Gift Certificates Available Upon Request**

Call or visit the St Louis Wellness Center to schedule an appointment

* Sessions to be used within 60 days of purchase

** Combo Package sessions to be used same appointment

*** Add additional family members for $25

Price includes complimentary towel service

Initial User Consultation Included

Specific Medical Studies on Whole Body Vibrations

While the use of vibration therapy and training is a still relatively new concept to most consumers, it is commonly used by hospitals, physical therapists, chiropractors, and personal trainers. It certainly does not suffer from lack of supportive research, and while there is obviously much research yet to be done in the area, the overwhelming consistency of findings from scientific research that currently exists on the subject is a compelling precursor to the potential applications and impact on this revolutionary method of training and treatment.

The following links are reports of published science, supporting some of Whole Body Vibration technology and claims, including enhanced muscle strength, bone density, hormonal release/circulation and pain reduction. This list while being large is not exhaustive of the subject. All exercise carries with it some element of risk. To reduce the risk, everyone, particularly those over 35 or who have known back, heart or blood pressure problems or any other medical illness or problem should be cleared by a physician before beginning any exercise program.

Physical Therapy Articles

http://physical-therapy.advanceweb.com/Article/All-Shook-Up-5.aspx

http://physical-therapy.advanceweb.com/Article/Moving-Ahead-With-Vibration-Therapy-2.aspx

http://physical-therapy.advanceweb.com/Article/A-New-Platform-to-Better-Health.aspx

Blood Circulation

Bone Density

Falls Prevention

Flexibility/Mobility/Balance

Hormonal Response

Metabolism

Neurological Conditions

Osteoporosis

Pain Management

Multiple Sclerosis

Parkinson’s Disease

Medical Conditions & Rehabilitation