Whole-body vibration therapy provides health benefits for all fitness levels, but it is especially useful to athletes for that extra competitive edge—and for those wanting to tone up and lose weight. In terms of training and conditioning, a simple 10-minute session on a whole-body vibration machine can improve strength, endurance, muscle tone, stability and mental outlook. Progressive physical therapy offices are even picking them up now that they are approved for health insurance and by the Food and Drug Administration for therapeutic health issues. When used with conventional muscle exercise, whole-body vibration therapy can increase muscle strength by 30 percent, and reduce the period of training required by 85 percent and time expended exercising by 50 percent— all this with nearly a non-existent risk of injury. No wonder athletes and fitness enthusiasts are embracing whole-body vibration therapy.

WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION THERAPY: THE THEORY

Whole-body vibration therapy originated from the concept of the human body’s movement under Earth’s gravity. The movement of our internal organs is constantly influenced by the Earth’s gravitational pull, and gravity works in a vertical direction. When we run, vertical vibrations cause the body organs and muscles to contract and relax repeatedly. This type of vertical movement stimulates the growth plates, improves circulation, energizes the lymphatic system and enhances muscle strength.

HOW IT WORKS

With whole-body vibration therapy, a machine creates a similar type of vertical vibration (3-50 Hz) from a base resembling a doctor’s scale that you stand on. One of the leading whole-body vibration machines is the TurboSonic. It uses a superior sound (sonic) vibration, which is quiet and effective. The vibration emanates up through the body, stimulating the muscle fibers (myocytes) with three times the strength of gravity. The myocytes contract and relax with more intense speed and strength. These contractions, when repeated, boost muscle strength more quickly than with any other kind of muscle training. Flexibility is increased, and the recovery time for muscle repair is considerably shortened. Furthermore, blood vessels are stimulated, improving circulation. Tendons and ligaments become better toned. Cellulite disperses. Even small muscle groups such as the facial muscles are improved. And similar to other forms of exercise, it has been shown to produce obvious metabolic responses.

ENHANCED RESULTS

It gets better. Clinical studies show how whole-body vibration therapy improves muscle strength and flexibility, and neuromuscular response.

Two different peer-reviewed studies on volleyball players and boxers showed extraordinary gains in muscle force and power. A third study showed vibration therapy increased flexibility by 30 percent when combined with a stretching program.

Resources

The TurboSonic is fast becoming apresence across America—in gyms, health clubs, offices of health practitioners, and at natural lifestyle stores and integrative pharmacies. For a small fee, you can buy a 10-minute session on a TurboSonic in your community. If you have health insurance, your policy may well cover use of the TurboSonic. Or you can even purchase one for your own home. For more information about the TurboSonic or to find one near you, call 800-800-9119 or visit www.maxamlabs.com.

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