Vibration Therapy

Is Whole Body Vibration (WBV) training credible?
The Russians have been using it since before the fall of the Berlin Wall to strengthen their athletes. In Europe it is widely used in Gyms, by Sporting Teams and by Physiotherapists. Many people will choose to go specifically to Gyms where WBV is available because of the unique benefits of Whole Body Vibration.

Are all WBV machines the same?
No. The Galileo was developed first and is a tilting platform, to simulate the up down action of the pelvis during normal walking. This technology is patented and so all other machines are vertical. The feel is very different. The extensive research supporting the use of WBV has essentially been performed on the Galileo

The claims of benefits achieved from the Galileo are quite extensive. Can this really be true that one machine has such wide and varied benefits?
Yes. This is because the Galileo is unique in being able to be used at a wide variety of frequency and amplitude settings. We get different effects with different settings. Low frequencies are better for balance control and slow twitch muscles and higher frequencies better for fast twitch muscle fibres and gaining post activation potential. The claims made are all as a result of research from over 30 Universities worldwide. These results cannot be taken to be valid for other WBV devices because of the different mechanisms and different frequencies and amplitudes available.

What frequencies does Galileo use?
The Galileo starts at 5 Hz and goes up to 30Hz. That means at 5 Hz your muscles are contracting and relaxing 5 times per second. We typically use 26 Hz as this has been found to be most effective for fast twitch muscle to develop increased power. That means your muscles are contracting and relaxing about 1,800 times per minute.

How long do I have to use Galileo is any one session to get a benefit?
You will notice benefits almost straight away; often after 1 minute we can note changes. A full work out takes 5 – 10 minutes. This work out will be fully functional and can be used as a stand-alone program or in conjunction with other strength training. For time poor individuals this can be a significant bonus. This work out can be made more or less intense by changing your foot position or by adding weights.

How do I get a stretching effect from the Galileo? Do I need to do fancy stretches on the machine?
The Galileo will give you a significant increase in muscle length just from standing on the platform. If you want you can sustain a regular muscle stretch position on the Galileo to increase the stretching effect.

Do I need to do fancy exercises to gain any benefit?
No. We advise any exercise you do on the Galileo to be functional in nature. We require strength in functional positions and so we should strengthen in these positions. Some people just like to stand on the platform. Others perform squats, lunges, jumps, running, golf shots etc. It depends on your needs and we can assist you with ways to maximise your gains.

Can I exercise all my muscles on the Galileo?
Yes. The vibration does not discriminate different muscle groups, eg. quadriceps and hamstrings. They both work together on the Galileo. The vibration is highest closest to the plate and will dampen as it travels up the body. For arm strengthening we place the hands on the plate and just as with the legs can hold a static position or you can perform an active exercise such as a push-up.