WHAT IS WHOLE BODY VIBRATION? Whole body vibration (WBV) is a mechanical stimulus characterized by oscillatory motion that is delivered to the entire body. WBV is also known as vibration exercise (VE) or vibration training (VT). It was originally based on research undertaken within the Soviet Union to counter the problems of bone and muscle wasting encountered by cosmonauts living in conditions of zero gravity. The technology was refined and was used by soviet athletes to gain a competitive strength advantage over the Eastern block. Today Galileo is produced in Germany and is used widely throughout Europe and North America. The Galileo is an exciting tool for functional low load strengthening. It is a truly unique concept that has been well proven in studies from universities worldwide. Scientifically tested technology with a vast range of health and fitness benefits for anyone from the elderly to athletes. WBV is well researched and has been shown to increase muscle strength, explosive power, anabolic hormone levels, bone strength, balance and coordination and metabolism. WBV is low impact it is also an excellent option for older or overweight clients who have trouble performing traditional weight bearing exercise. HOW DOES WBV WORK?When standing on the rapidly vibrating platform the legs are alternatively rapidly vertically displaced, in a manner comparable to walking. The muscles of the leg as in walking, then automatically dampen this vibration.
WBV has been shown to elicit a response known as the tonic vibration reflex (TVR), the vibration induced TVR involves activation of the muscle spindles far greater than that seen when compared to a conscious muscle contraction.
By varying the frequencies a variety of different whole body benefits can be achieved. Lower frequencies promote balance and control, medium frequencies aid muscle relaxation and at higher frequencies excite muscles.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WBV?Recorded benefits include:
- Increased muscle strength
- Increased bone strength
- Increased tendon strength
- Increased explosive power
- Increase in growth hormone production
- Increase in peripheral blood flow
- Increase balance control in elderly and post surgical patients
- Increased jump height ability
- Decrease in cortisol levels
- Decreased low back pain
- Decreased blood pressure
- Treatment of stress incontinence
- Muscle lengthening
- Neurological conditions
WHO CAN BENEFIT?The Galileo is a user friendly, time efficient closed chain exercise technique. A wide variety of people can benefit from the unique stimulation provided by the Galileo.
It can be used from anyone from the elite athlete to the elderly. It is currently used at the Sydney, Collingwood Port Adelaide and Fremantle Dockers Football Club. The NSW institute of sport and some of the leading health bodies in Australia including St Vincent’s hospital. Worldwide, Lance Armstrong Tour de France champion cyclist and AC Milan Soccer club are also using this equipment to aid their training regimes to name a few.
For time poor individuals the Galileo can be used as a stand alone program instead of sub maximal weights or circuit training. For athletes benefits can also be achieved by combining personal training and Galileo vibration training.
WBV AT BELEURA - WHAT TO EXPECT At Beleura, we make sure your whole body vibration experience is a good one. To enable us to ensure that you are suitable for Galileo whole body vibration training, it is a requirement that you undertake an initial assessment with a trained whole body vibration therapist. Following this initial appointment an individualized tailored program will be supplied to you for independent training. In some circumstances you may require further sessions with the therapist to ensure you are correctly performing the exercises safely. All appointments are then subsequently made with reception staff and you undertake a series of sessions to enable you to progress your program.
10, 25, and 40 session cards are available with the more sessions you take the greater the discounts available. A review appointment at 3 weeks is essential to progress your exercises to the next level. Sessions undertaken go no longer than 20 mins, this ensures you do not overtrain and allows for time efficient training.
You are required to wear loose fitting clothing, runners and have water readily available in the form of a drink bottle (water can be provided at the clinic). A small sweat towel may also be helpful.
If you have any further questions or queries about Galileo whole body vibration please contact us and speak to our friendly staff or book in for a free demonstration.
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