In the early 1960's, Russian cosmonauts who spent extended periods of time in space were experiencing bone and muscle tissue loss due to a lack of gravity. In an effort to stop these degenerative conditions, re searchers developed the whole body vibration technology which not only arrested the negative effects of zero gravity, but actually INCREASED bone density and muscle strength! Since then, WBV was adopted by chiropractors and physical therapists, who saw how it combats the problems associated with aging, chronic pain and muscular and joint injury rehabilitation. WBV has been well documented as a proven technique for increasing bone density and reversing osteoporosis and osteopenia, even in the elderly. Therapeutic use of WBV inevitably led to its application in the fields of fit ness and athletics. Gyms, personal trainers, and other fitness facilities have recognized WBV as an invaluable tool that provides faster results in fitness training and weight loss, as well as quicker muscle and injury recovery during intensive training: a competitive edge for athletes who need to stay at the top of their game.
PROPER FORM
To obtain maximum results from the Live Vibe, it is essential to use proper form during a whole body vibration session. Stand on the Live Vibe with bare feet, or use flat soled shoes. Boots, heels and other styles of shoes should be avoided as it interferes with the even distribution of vibration through the body. Follow your doctor or personal trainers advice on how long your WBV session should be, but it's best to start with no more than 5 to 10 minutes at a time until your body is comfortable with whole body vibration. Then you can increase to a maximum of 15 minutes. Be sure to stand up straight and look forward. Pay close attention to your posture and you will feel the vibration properly flow through your body all the way to the top of your head. Do not use your cell phone or any other device that would cause you to look downward. The Live Vibe is tuned to the optimal 30 hz of vibration frequency. If this vibration feels too strong for you, bend your knees slightly to help absorb some of the vibrations, or try one of our rubber top mats which provide a great buffer when standing or performing exercises.
FAQ
1. What is the science behind WBV?
There are three main scientific principles behind WBV:
The Stretch Reflex: The movement of a vibration plate with amplitude of at least 4 mm simulates the body's natural 'stretch reflex' (Tonic Vibra tion Reflex). This is similar to the knee jerk reaction that occurs when the knee is tapped by a reflex hammer in a doctor's office. Without thinking about it, your body reacts with a strong involuntary muscle contraction, leading to your leg's 'kicking out response. With WBV technology, these strong muscle contractions can be repeated at a rapid rate. At a frequen cy of 6 to 20 times a second, WBV can produce up to 1,200 muscle con
tractions in one minute.
Muscle Recruitment: Due to its involuntary effect on muscle contrac tion, nearly 100% of the muscle fibers are recruited. Compare this to con ventional exercise or training where there is on average only 40% muscle recruitment. 100% muscle recruitment benefits the rehabilitation patient looking to add stability and strength to all muscles around their joints,
and to the athlete looking to maximize strength gains.
Blood Circulation: The gentle rapid contractions of up to 1,200 times per minute allow the muscle to work as a pump introducing blood to even the smallest blood vessels. This increase in circulation leads to the ability of the body to carry off waste products much faster, leading to in
creased peripheral circulation.
2. What are the main benefits of WBV training?
Many whole body vibration users describe benefits including:
Muscle toning in legs, arms and abdomen Core muscle conditioning and strengthening
Muscle stretching (Reduced injury if used as a warm up)
Improved digestion
Lymphatic drainage and microcirculation improvement, which detoxifies and reduces congestion in your fat and cellulite, resulting in inches Jost.
Increased serotonin production, which helps combat Seasonal Affected Disorders.
Enhanced endorphin release generating thatfeel-good sensation which follows a traditional work out (runners high)
Increased production of Growth Hormones and its anti-aging benefits (361%)
Decreased production of Serum Cortisol (The body's stress hormone) (32%) Enhanced bone density and bone building as the exercise is weight bearing
3. Is there a minimum and maximum age limit using WBV?
We recommend that no one under the age of 12 years old use Live Vibe. However, there is no upper age limit to the use of WBV. In fact, WBV pro vides some of its strongest benefits to the senior population, including increased bone density, improved circulation, increased strength, balance and flexibility.
4. Is there a weight limit for Live Vibe use?
We recommend a weight no greater than 450 lbs.
5. I've heard that WBV can help with cellulite. Is this correct?
If used consistently and frequently, WBV can have an effect on cellulite. Cellulite is sometimes called the 'cottage cheese look' and is fat accumulation under the skin. It is usually in a honeycombed shaped pattern.
In order to reduce cellulite, an exercise program has to be specific. Basically, you must increase muscle tone, and replace fat stores with lean muscle. WBV presents a very high rate of muscle contraction repetitions (1,200 per minute) and works all muscle fibers, thus accomplishing the
goal of increasing muscle tone and replacing fat stores with lean muscle.
6: Does WBV really help slow down the aging process?
There is no magic bullet to slow down the process of aging, because there are simply too many factors that influence aging for every individual: inactivity, life style choices, stress, and genetics. However, if WBV training is practiced 10-20 minutes a day, a minimum of three times a week, there are definitely benefits that are anti-aging. WBV has been shown to decrease the stress hormone Cortisol and increase Serotonin
which research confirms also combats aging.
7: Can WBV reverse the effects of osteoporosis?
It's a well-known fact that the strength of the bones is influenced by the strength of the body's muscles. WBV is a safe and low impact way to achieve these strength gains. WBV can quell the effects of osteoporosis by balancing hormones and increasing mechanical stressors on bones
via involuntary muscle contractions.
8: How often should I use the LiveVibe to see results?
The answer to this question depends on your goals. For those looking for strength or bone density gains, we recommend 5 times per week, 10-20 minutes per day. Others may use it every day for muscle recovery, warm ing up and cooling down, or as an exercise aid. Due to its ability to in crease circulation, lactic acid is quickly cleared, leading to faster muscle
recovery.
In many ways, WBV training is more efficient than conventional training. With regular weight training, muscles undergo some micro tears through the stresses placed on them. This leads to a recovery time of 48 hours before engaging in that activity again. Vibration training minimizes these micro tears. Combine this with the increased circulation and there is only a 24-hour recovery period before you can effectively use the same
muscle group. This obviously speeds up any fitness regime.
9. How many calories does WBV burn?
This is difficult to calculate because each individual's metabolism deter mines their ability to burn a certain number of calories per day.
However, WBV has been shown to increase resting metabolism, so consistent use over time will burn more calories per day than you would burn naturally. It also prevents drops in your metabolism which allows
you to eat healthy foods and maintain your weight.
10. I have fibromyalgia and my doctor told me not to weight train. What about WBV?
WBV training has been shown to produce greater increases in flexibility over conventional training, with less stress on the joints. This is the primary concern in those suffering from fibromyalgia and weight training. In addition, strength gains with vibration training are comparable to reg ular exercise, except the time to complete exercises is much shorter.
Most important, WBV is gentle and safe, which does not put undue stress on your joints. Consult your physician prior to starting any exercise pro
gram if you have fibromyalgia.
LIVE VIBE WARRANTY INFO
The Live Vibe carries two types of warranties:
1. Ridge & Company will repair or replace, free of charge, any non-mov ing parts that are defective as a result of material or workmanship, for the LIFETIME of the Live Vibe.
2. All other components, (switch, motor, electrical cord, etc.) will be repaired or replaced for a period of ONE year.
For either warranty to apply, the Live Vibe must be delivered to the manufacturing facility at Willis Texas. Ridge & Company reserves the right to repair or replace any Live Vibe components due to: Excessive dirt, grease, or lack of regular maintenance Expendable items which become worn during normal use Operator abuse or negligence
Failure to assemble, operate and maintain the equipment according to the
instructions contained in the Owner's Manual
WARRANTY CONTACT: phone 832-294-5144 or email customerservice@ridgeandcompany.com
Note: Shipping is not available to non-contiguous US addresses.