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7/26/2011

Good Vibrations?

You've heard about whole-body, low-frequency vibration (WBLFV) right? No? Remember those old belt vibration contraptions that housewives hoped would "jiggle away" their fat? Well, it's NOT that.


WBLFV, put in simple terms, typically has a participant stand on a vibrating platform while performing resistance exercises. Different manufacturers provide different directions of vibration( horizontal, vertical or tri-planar) and different, sometimes adjustable, frequency and amplitude of vibration.


Just kidding. I'll show you a picture of a modern unit. There are numerous published studies about the efficacy of WBLFV, which do indicate that this training can be effectively incorporated into a fitness or rehab program. But there are still many questions about exactly how, when, and why to incorporate WBLFV.


For example, the most effective frequencies and amplitudes for specific applications need to be studied further. And a recently published study showed that WBLFV applied before and after resistance training sets helped improve "dynamic strength adaptation during the first few weeks of exposure in recreationally trained male subjects." Questions remain on optimal dosing, effects on people when WBLFV is applied during resistance training, and how the training level, age, and gender of the participant effect results.


So, while WBLFV shows promise, make sure your trainer can explain exactly how and why it works and why she is incorporating it into your fitness program. If she can't give you good answers, you might want to "shake,shake,shake- shake,shake,shake your booty" on the dance floor instead.

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