HOW DOES IT WORK?
Whole Bode Vibration (WBV) works by forcing your muscles to contract and relax 12 to 27 times a second activating between 80-100% of all muscle fibres both voluntary and in-voluntary, hence the high speed workout.
Recent research conducted by the School of Medicine, University of Cordoba, Spain confirmed that energy expenditure was 17% higher when conducting squats with WBV compared to the same exercise without WBV and that, additionally, energy expenditure during the four minute recovery stage was 22% higher following WBV suggesting increased metabolic activity.
With research-based evidence of its value continuing to emerge, WBV training has established itself as a groundbreaking, innovative, safe, and effective exercise option. Working directly through the nervous system, WBV training significantly enhances both the degree of muscle activity and the oxygen supply to the muscle during exercise. This provides the individual with a quick, thorough, and highly beneficial workout.
The many benefits of Whole Body Vibration training include:
- Increased Muscle Mass & Strength
- Increased Muscle Tone
- Reduced Bone Density Loss
- Improved Circulation & Muscle Flexibility
- Improved Balance and Proprioception (click here for definition)
- Improved Sports Performance
- Weight Loss Promotion
From the highest level athlete to the individual suffering from musculoskeletal pain or weakness, Whole Body Vibration training can be adapted and individualized so the benefits are shared by each person. WBV has many applications ranging from elite sports conditioning to training elderly and sedentary individuals.
Muscle Mass, Strength and Tone:
Whole Body Vibration works through the phenomenon known as the stretch reflex. This is the same reflex that causes your thigh muscle to contract when the doctor hits your knee with a reflex hammer. Each vibration cycle, delivered vertically by means of a platform system, triggers the stretch reflex and the resulting muscle contraction in each muscle involved in the exercise being performed. In a typical exercise, lasting 30 - 60 seconds, the vibration cycle may occur between 1050 and 2100 times. That’s 1000 - 2000+ muscle contractions in 30 seconds!
Muscle Flexibility:
When it comes to flexibility, once placing a muscle on stretch through proper body positioning, the unbelievably high level of stretch reflexes occurring in the muscle serves to override the natural resistance to stretch. This phenomenon creates rapid muscle relaxation and a significant, safe gain in muscle length and flexibility.
Reduced Bone Density Loss:
It is understood well that a combination of repeated muscle contractions and repeated compression/decompression forces administered to the human body stimulates new bone formation, while at the same time, reduces bone breakdown. This is why weightbearing exercises such as squats, lunges and pushups are often encouraged in the exercise and fitness world. The ratio of bone formation to bone breakdown unfortunately becomes uneven as we age. This leads to osteoporosis, osteopenia, and stress fractures. The level of vibration involved with Whole Body Vibration training increases the frequency of compression/decompression forces on the body therefore forcing the body to increase new bone formation and reduce bone breakdown. Additionally, the high level of muscle contractions described above further enhances the effects of Whole Body Vibration on bone density.
Increased Circulation:
Through the increased demands of the muscles undergoing the vibration, a pumping mechanism is established that serves to increase circulatory and lymphatic system activity. With improved circulation, oxygen delivery to the muscle and peripheral tissue such as the feet, hands, and skin is increased. The increase in oxygen and blood circulation also increases the ability of cells to eliminate waste, respond to hormone secretion and absorb nutrients, sugars and minerals.
Increased Neuromuscular Control:
As demonstrated through published research, the high level of nervous system activity created through Whole Body Vibration training enhances the communication between the brain and spinal cord (collectively known as the central nervous system) and the muscles (the motor system). This allows for more efficient movement, better body awareness, and enhanced speed of muscle activation.
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