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0845 330 6781
A
Guide to Buying
Whole Body Vibration Machines
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You may also be interest in: |
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What are the different types of vibration machines?
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Vertical
Vibraton (Lineal)
- Best for training High frequency vertical micro-vibrations are created by the base plate. This style of machine can be uncomfortable and is used mainly for fitness training as the frequencies are higher. Some users use this style of machine to simply rest their feet on if they are in a wheel chair for example. Other common use is to perform sit ups on the machine. See Zen Reviber. |
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Horizontal
movement
- used lying on your back -
For therapy & health This movement works from the feet and creates a natural rhythmic movement through the body. Imagine the pattern of movement of a fish's tail propelling it through the water. This is an enjoyable natural movement but is limited in function compared to an upright platform. The advantage is that the units are small and they can be use by people unable to rise out of bed. See Zen Chi Relaxerciser. |
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Side
Oscillation (Pivotal)
- Best for therapy & health The most natural movement with the widest range of benefits. Combines the benefits of stretch-reflex inducing vibration found in the vertical vibration machines with the natural flowing movement in the horizontal massagers. Customers find this type of machine most comfortable and it makes sense that muscles are activated alternately as they would be in walking. See Vibration Plate Pro. |
What
should I look for in a vibration machine?
There are several important factors to review when choosing a
vibration platform. A few rules of thumb are as follows:
Solid Steel: Cheep steel or plastic will not do.
Reputable company: If you don't trust a company or haven't heard of them before then alarm bells are ringing. Trust your instincts.
Installation: Does the seller offer installation? Whilst assembling a vibration machine isn't rocket science you don't want to get it wrong, and more importantly if it is proper steel you don't want to give yourself an injury assembling it.
Warranty: Scrutinize the warranty (and come back to 'how long has this company been around'). Cheaper machines will wear out but of greater concern is that they will deteriorate first providing uneven and ever weaker performance. How will your seller respond to that?
Motor power and maximu user weight: These are your guidelines to the durability and even performance of the machine over the long term. Lower maximum weight means weaker bearings. If a machine wears down it may operate at a lower frequency then indicated, and in the case of lineal vibrating machines low frequencies can be harmful.
Frequency adjustment: The greater the control the better. For any exercise, training or rehabilitation programme you want to make progress and this is best faciliated through small steps. For example, if a machine offered only two speeds, one may be too low the other too high - offering no starting point or potential for progression.
As a detailed guide to a machine's specification and to assist you in choosing a vibration machine we have tabulated a list of questions below, with a guide to the answer you should seek to each, alongside answers for our the Vibration Plate Pro machine sold on this website.
| Question? | Vibration Plate Pro | Notes |
| What is the power rating of the machine | 1000w motor ensuring smooth vibration throughout full frequency range irrespective of load. | Low powered devices will be made to work hard, shortening the motor life. Additionally under-powered motors deliver uneven vibration patterns and will struggle to perform to quoted frequency when under load. |
| What materials is the machine constructed from | High durability steel throughout upright frame structure. | Look at the frame on vibration platforms as they may not be made from metal, or may be of very narrow gauge. If you are to hold any upper area of the machine the frame must be extremely strong. |
| What is the net weight of the machine | A very sturdy 68 kgs | Lightweight machines will move during operation. Some machines even risk toppling. Any such movement during operation will cause unnecessary wear on all parts - screws with loosen, circuitry deteriorate etc. |
| How does the machine come packed | 2
boxes totaling 81 kgs. 800 x 790 x 390mm for 1st carton. 1565 x 570 x 90mm for 2nd carton |
Your machine will be provided as a flat pack. It may be useful for you to know the gross weight and dimensions for you to plan taking delivery of the product. |
| Is home installation offered? | We include FREE home installation (by a two man team). This service is Included at no additional cost to all customers and all packaging waste is taken away. | Many customers may have difficulty assembling a vibration machine from flat pack, and the weight of the machine may make choosing a site for the machine a challenge, especially if it weighs 81 kgs boxed! |
| What is the charge for delivery | We include FREE delivery to UK mainland. Our quality delivery service is included at no additional cost. | As vibration machines are heavy a delivery charge left un-mentioned until the last minute could prove a surprise - especially as it can be as much as £40! |
| What is the delivery method | We use a vehicle fleet that delivers and installs our vibration platforms - not a national courier. Customers will be called to arrange a delivery day AND time and will also be provided with the drivers mobile number. The two man team will agree the position of the machine with you, fully assemble the machine, test the machine and remove packaging. | Unless a service comparable to ours is used you may have to wait in for a whole day awaiting your delivery. Additionally, large courier companies are not obliged to deliver into you home and may leave the item at your door so long as they secure a signature. If you live in a flat you may have to move the item up stairs. Even small vibration machines are heavy and should not be lifted alone. |
| What type of vibration technology is it? | Oscillating (side-alternating) | Platforms are either a vertical vibration plate type (e.g. vibrogym) or oscillatory. |
| What is the tilt angle or amplitude? | 8 degrees, providing a maximum of 12mm | This figure can only be compared with other oscillating equipment. Technically the tilt angle is the best figure to compare but typically the amplitude is quoted. Of course the amplitude is a calculation of the angle and the distance from the fulcrum so it's not a reliable figure to compare with - presumably it is the amplitude at the platform edge that is quoted but that is not likely to be where you'll place your feet or you'd slip off! |
| What is the frequency range? | 5-30 Hz (repetitions per second)
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A wide range is favourable but the lower and upper limits are important too. Safety guidlines are 0-30Hz for pivotal machines, 38-50Hz for lineal machines. Please note that the frequency ranges of different types of machine don't compare. E.g. a vertical vibrator may go up to 50Hz (3000 reps/min) but this wouldn't be suitable on a side alternating platform. |
| How many frequency adjustment intervals are there? | 250 levels of adjustment (from 5 up to 30 in steps of 0.1). |
Finer adjustment is favourable but not a critically important feature. This figure will also relate to the frequency range. Ideally you could adjust in increments of 0.5Hz - incrementing 1 Hz per level would not be very gradual. |
| Maximum user weight | 200 kgs - fit for an entire football team (not all at once!) | The higher the maximum the greater the testimony to the sturdiness of the machine. Even if you weigh only 50 kilos you can be sure which machine is built to last from this figure. |
| Warranty duration | 3 years parts & labour | More is better. Typically you will be offered only 1 year (your statutory rights provide this). If you buy from eBay you may get no warranty at all! |
| Warranty coverage and service | 3 years 'total support': We offer unlimited email and telephone support on your product for 3 years. Additionally your warranty covers you against all costs in the event of any defect* - so the parts cost, labour cost and transportation costs are all covered for 3 years. Total Support guarantees that your total cost of ownership for the first 3 years is the exact price of the product quoted on our website. Furthermore you can purchase additional warranty coverage for the lifetime of your product at the end of the 3 years - just the same as with other quality home appliances. *does not include damage due to misuse |
Be sure to check what after-care you can expect. Also be sure to find out what costs might be involved if claiming under warranty, e.g. who pays for carriage/call-out etc. Consider what warranty coverage you would expect on a quality home appliance such as a washing machine or oven: DON'T SETTLE FOR POOR WARRANTY COMMITMENT FROM YOUR SELLER. |
