HealthStyles Exercise Equipment has some great gifts for fitness enthusiasts in all price ranges!

Whether your gift is for an avid runner, a Cross-Fit or P90X junkie, or a friend or loved on who is trying to firm up or lose weight, here are just a few of the many possible gifts you can put under the tree for those important people in your life.

Everyone knows how busy this time of year is. There are decorations to put up, gifts to purchase, parties and events to attend, along with the regular daily schedule of work and family responsibilities. For me, when life gets rushed and I can’t fit it all in, the first thing to go always seems to be my workout routine! The crazy thing is that this is the time when we really need the exercise routine, both to keep our life in balance, and to burn those extra calories that we may be taking in over the Holidays.

This is the time of year when remembering the Sprint 8 Workout really makes sense! If you have 20 minutes, 3 times per week, you can get a great workout in a short period of time, and experience some great benefits.

The Sprint 8 Workout, developed by exercise physiologist Phil Campbell, consists of a 3 minute warm-up followed by 8 segments of anaerobic exercise lasting 30 seconds followed by 90 seconds of active recovery, and then a cool down after the 8 segments. That 20 minutes is a short, but definitely not an easy workout! The 30 second sprints need to be so hard that you get really winded and want to stop after 10 or 15 seconds, but hang on for 30 seconds before ending the sprint.

Of course anyone beginning this type of high-intensity workout needs to do so with approval from a physician, and with a slow, progressive buildup period. Individuals beginning this workout may start out by doing only 2 or 3 sprint segments and gradually working up to the 8 segment, 20 minute workout.

At HealthStyles Exercise Equipment, we feature Vision treadmills, exercise bikes and ellipticals that have a pre-set Sprint 8 program built in to their programming, but Sprint 8 workouts can be also done on any other piece of cardiovascular equipment.

For more information on the benefits of the Sprint 8 Workout and the research behind it, take a look at the attached video featuring Phil Campbell.

So don’t give up your workout during this busy season, just abbreviate it to fit your life right now. A Sprint 8 workout is a great way to do this, and once you get back to a more normal workout schedule, you will want to incorporate the Sprint 8 workout as part of your overall routine as a way to add intensity and interval training to your cardio workout!

Jeanne Sheriff, owner

Healthstyles Exercise Equipment

Despite being in a seated position, rowing is great calorie burner, as 70-75% of the musculature used is the large muscle groups of the hips, glutes and legs. At the same time you also use your arms and back and by the end of your workout, you have used about 84% of your muscle mass.

Make sure you brush up on proper rowing technique as you begin to use a rowing machine. Most people fatigue quickly as they use their upper body too much, and round their back creating stress on the lower back. It is essential that a strong postural position is maintained throughout the rowing action. To achieve correct posture, the torso is simply rocked from a slightly backward (11 o’clock) position to a forward (1 o’clock) position on the seat. Once you have your stroke technique down, you will find rowing to be one of the best cardio workouts out there!

There are many types of rowers, but my favorite are the ones with the unique Waterflywheel design made by Waterrower. As the name implies, Waterrowers use water as the resistance. The water provides a smooth and efficient resistance, designed to mimic moving a boat through water. It is excellent for any fitness level and any age, making it an excellent choice for family fitness equipment. The Waterrower requires no power, low maintenance and is quiet and the stand up design requires little space. Can it get any better?!

Check out this video overview of the Waterrower:

Tonja Hadley, MA, CSCS
Personal Trainer
Loveland Store Manager
HealthStyles Exercise Equipment

First, start by identifying challenges to getting the whole family involved in a regular exercise routine. These could include time, space, knowledge and equipment.

1. Have each family member find time in their daily schedule for 30-60 minutes of exercise. Yes, even your younger ones can do this. If you are like most families, each family member will most likely have a different time slot. That’s okay, encourage this as something they can achieve on their own, for themselves!
2. Create the workout plans. This is the hardest part and may require some professional guidance. Make sure to incorporate resistance training into the plan and understand that programs will vary depending on the family members’ age. For the cost of a month’s gym membership for one adult, you can hire a trainer to consult with the family and help design programs that will work for each family member. This ensures both safety and fun!
3. Identify your equipment needs. If you have some existing equipment, make sure it is in working order and fits the needs of all the users in the family. Chances are the Bowflex you and your wife bought 10 years ago, won’t work for the needs of the family now. If you’re just starting out, identify the biggest needs, budget and space. For households with small children, you may find some that some equipment is better suited than others. For example, functional trainers and rowing machines may be better than an elliptical and an elaborate gym system. Invest in 1-2 pieces of quality cardio equipment as well as resistance training equipment, such as kettlebells, suspension trainers and resistance bands that the whole family can use.
4. Make your home gym safe. Establish rules for the use of all equipment and make sure each family member knows how to use the equipment properly. This is extremely important and will ensure that exercise is fun and will produce results.
5. Promote your gym use! Find ways to encourage your family staying consistent with their workouts. Make it a way of life at your house and promote how awesome it is to move and exercise in the comforts of your own home.

For help creating your home gym, contact your fitness professional at your Local HealthStyles store! We are home fitness!

Tonja Hadley, MA, CSCS
Personal Trainer
Loveland Store Manager
HealthStyles Exercise Equipment

Getting the most out of your training doesn’t always mean working faster or harder. The best way to improving and seeing results is to train at the right intensity. With a heart rate monitor, you can make sure you’re not over or under training, and make each session count. Use a heart rate watch as your wrist-based personal trainer, motivating you each and every time you train.

As the inventors of the first heart rate monitor for training over 30 years ago, Polar is truly the specialist in this field. Since then they have been leading this category, and the world’s top specialists have been working on the most accurate and intelligent training computers and heart rate based features.

What makes Polar truly unique is that their features give guidance based on your personal information, and individual heart rate and its variation. The state-of-the-art intelligence of Polar products can tell you how much, how often and how hard to train. This is why so many top athletes use Polar training computers. But you don’t have to be a professional athlete to benefit from heart rate monitoring. Exercisers at all fitness levels can benefit from the motivational aspects of knowing how hard you are working based on your maximum heart rate, and seeing how your fitness level improves over time.

Watch this video for more information on the value of using a heart rate watch when you work out.

HealthStyles Exercise Equipment carries a variety of heart rate monitors. Stop by your local HealthStyles Showroom and talk to one of our fitness consultants to find out what Polar Heart Rate Monitor matches your fitness level and goals.

One of the most important Fitness Must Haves is to invest in a few key pieces for your home to create a Back-Up Plan! Despite budget or space issues, there are a wide range of options to meet your needs! The bottom line is, having a solid back-up-plan will help keep you moving and on track for your fitness goals! Here are few ways to create for yourself a back-up plan to ensure you always have a way to get a workout in!

Basic Cardio:

There are TONS of options for the home user to create a cardio workout. For the budget conscious there are numerous workout DVD’s you can purchase for minimal cost. P90x is great example of a full body, 90 day workout that can keep you going that requires minimal equipment and can be done anywhere! Most satellite and cable providers have a fitness channel in their basic line-up of programs. Do some checking to see if yours’ does and then check out the options.

If watching the TV doesn’t get it done for you, invest in an indoor, "spinning" type bike or rowing machine. Both tend to take up minimal space and can provide you with an awesome way to get some cardio in! Be prepared to spend between $700-$1300 for these.

If you prefer to spend a little more dough, there are tons of treadmill and elliptical options out there! Quality that will last starts at about the $1200 range, and there are tons of options to suit your needs. Visit a speciality fitness store, where you will get quality advice and support.

BEWARE: Don’t buy cheap! It is better to buy a different type of piece, than to buy a cheap version of an expensive product! For example, don’t buy a $800 treadmill when you can spend that $800 on a quality indoor bike or rowing machine that will last. You want your Back-up plan to be RELIABLE …that is the whole point!

Resistance Training:

Again you can do this with or without budget constraints. For about $10 you can get resistance bands at various tensions. Even for the hard core lifters, resistance bands can be effective if done correctly as part of an overall program. Add a door anchor for about $5, and you can essentially turn any door into a resistance training work station!

Another option for between $100-200, is a suspension training system, such as TRX or Jungle Gym. Suspension trainers use a nylon strapping system to turn your body into a functional training station! You can get an amazing workout using your own body weight and need about 8ft. of space and a door, ceiling or other sturdy place to attach the anchor.

If you want the feel of weights in your hands, for about $400 you can get a pair of Power Blocks! This unique concept offers 24 pairs of dumbbells in a one piece set! They are durable, easy to use and give you a ton of options! For an even cooler route, try the Kettleblock. With the same concept as the Power Blocks, instead of having all those kettlebells lying around, you have just a one handled block with the ability to select the weight you want with the push of a pin!

If a home gym or functional trainer with a weight stack where you can continually increase the resistance is what you need, quality home gyms and functional trainers begin at just above $1000 and go up from there depending on the variety of exercises you would like to be able to do with the gym. Again, purchasing an inexpensive functional trainer or gym is a bad idea. It will "feel" lightweight and the cables won’t have the smooth feel that you may have experienced in the gym.

Training while Traveling:

Training on the road can be a big challenge. Make sure to plan ahead, so you have a game plan in place.

Check the hotel to see if they have a workout out room, ask what types of equipment they have, how many pieces they have and the hours of the facility. If this will work with your schedule, you’re set. Even if they have a room, ask if they have a pool, and depending on the time of year, if it is indoor, outdoor and heated. I always travel with my swim bag as a back-up, back-up plan for hotel stays. There is nothing worse than counting on the hotel workout room, only to find out the bike or treadmill is broken or so unstable it isn’t worth the risk!

If all else fails, bring along your resistance bands and door anchor or a suspension system, (TRX). They take up little space in your suit case and are an awesome way to get a workout in. Mix in some body weight squats, lunges and push-ups, create a circuit and you are good to go! Don’t let travel and a lack of planning prevent you from staying healthy while on the road!

Let’s face it …Life happens. Having a Back-up Plan in place is a sure fire way to help you stay on track for your fitness goals and keeps you moving and feeling good! Everyone should have a few key pieces in their home, as well as a take-along plan for travel!

A little planning can go a long way!

Tonja Hadley, MA, CSCS
Personal Trainer
HealthStyles Exercise Equipment

Influence of Whole Body Vibration Compared to Conventional Physiotherapy in Patients With Gonarthrosis; Study began March 2010; Estimated study completion by April 2011.

Effect of Bone on Alpha Motor Neuron Excitability (EBAMNE); Study began in May 2010; Estimated study completion by November 2010.

Mechanical Bone Stimulation and Adenosine 5′-Triphosphate (ATP) Release in Humans; Study starts July 2010; Estimated study completion by December 2010.

Effect of Vibration Therapy on Bone in Persons With Sub-acute Spinal Cord Injury; Study started June 2009; Estimated study completion by June 2012.

Vibration Training and Muscle Strength Development; Study started June 2010; Estimated study completion by September 2010.

Low-magnitude High-frequency Vibration Study on Fracture Rate in Community Elderly; Study started January 2009; Estimated study completion by December 2011.

Resistance Training in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD): Whole Body Vibration Versus Conventional Resistance Training (REWORK); Study started April 2010; Estimated study completion by January 2011.

Improving Low Bone Mass With Vibration Therapy in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS); Study started January 2009; Estimated study completion by December 2011.

Influence of Whole Body Vibration Compared to Conventional Physiotherapy in Patients With Gonarthrosis; Study started March 2010; Estimated study completion by April 2011.

Vibration Intervention For Bone Enhancement In Childhood Cancer Survivors (VIBE); Study started in April 2010; Estimated study completion by December 2012.

Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Balance in the Elderly Population; Study started in January 2010; Estimated study completion by August 2010.

Effects of Whole Body Vibration in People With Chronic Stroke; Study started in July 2009; Estimated study completion by June 2011.

Effect of Whole Body Vibration Therapy in Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (WBV-JIA); Study started in February 2009; Estimated study completion by August 2012.

Whole Body Vibration Therapy in Participants With MS Related Balance Deficits; Study started in October 2006; study is ongoing.

Resistance Exercise Training For Radically Treated Respiratory Cancer (REINFORCE); Study started in January 2009; Estimated study completion by December 2011.

Bone Health in Pediatric Crohn’s Disease: A Low Magnitude Mechanical Stimulus Trial; Study started in February 2007; Estimated study completion by February 2011.

Fitness / Training

Dabbs NC , Brown LE, Coburn JW, Lynn SK, Biagini MS, Tran TT. Effect of whole-body vibration warm-up on bat speed in women softball players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2010 Sep;24(9):2296-9.

Marín PJ, Herrero AJ, Sáinz N, Rhea MR, García-López D. Effects of different magnitudes of whole-body vibration on arm muscular performance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2010 Sep;24(9):2506-11.

Eckhardt H, Wollny R, Müller H, Bärtsch P, Friedmann-Bette B. Enhanced Myofiber Recruitment During Exhaustive Squatting Performed as Whole-Body Vibration Exercise. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2010 Jul 17. [Epub ahead of print]

Wang CZ, Wang GJ, Ho ML, Wang YH, Yeh ML, Chen CH. Low-magnitude vertical vibration enhances myotube formation in C2C12 myoblasts. Journal of Applied Physiology. 2010 Jul 15. [Epub ahead of print]

Hazell TJ, Kenno KA, Jakobi JM. Evaluation of muscle activity for loaded and unloaded dynamic squats during vertical whole-body vibration. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2010 Jul;24(7):1860-5.

Cochrane DJ, Stannard SR, Firth EC, Rittweger J. Comparing muscle temperature during static and dynamic squatting with and without whole-body vibration. Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging. 2010 Jul; 30(4): 223-9. [Epub 2010 May 11]

Feland JB, Hawks M, Hopkins JT, Hunter I, Johnson AW, Eggett DL. Whole Body Vibration as an Adjunct to Static Stretching. International Journal of Sports Medicine. 2010 Jun 9. [Epub ahead of print]

Di Giminiani R, Manno R, Scrimaglio R, Sementilli G, Tihanyi J. Effects of individualized whole-body vibration on muscle flexibility and mechanical power. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. 2010 Jun; 50(2): 139-51.

Ritzmann R, Kramer A, Gruber M, Gollhofer A, Taube W. EMG activity during whole body vibration: motion artifacts or stretch reflexes? European journal of applied physiology 2010 Apr 24. [Epub ahead of print]

Marín PJ, Rhea MR. Effects of vibration training on muscle power: a meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res. 2010 Mar;24(3):871-8.

Bunker DJ, Rhea MR, Simons T, Marin PJ. "The Use of Whole-Body Vibration as a Golf Warm-Up." J Strength Cond Res. 2010 Mar 10. [Epub ahead of print]

Colson SS, Pensini M, Espinosa J, Garrandes F, Legros P. "Whole-body vibration training effects on the physical performance of basketball players." J Strength Cond Res. 2010 Mar 17. [Epub ahead of print]

Lamont HS, Cramer JT, Bemben DA, Shehab RL, Anderson MA, Bemben MG. "Effects of Adding Whole Body Vibration to Squat Training on Isometric Force/Time Characteristics." J Strength Cond Res. 2009 Nov 17. [Epub ahead of print]

Vissers D, Baeyens JP, Truijen S, Ides K, Vercruysse CC, Van Gaal L. "The effect of whole body vibration short-term exercises on respiratory gas exchange in overweight and obese women." Phys Sportsmed. 2009 Oct;37(3):88-94.

Da Silva-Grigoletto ME, Vaamonde DM, Castillo E, Poblador MS, García-Manso JM, Lancho JL. "Acute and cumulative effects of different times of recovery from whole body vibration exposure on muscle performance." J Strength Cond Res. 2009 Oct;23(7):2073-82.

McBride JM, Nuzzo JL, Dayne AM, Israetel MA, Nieman DC, Triplett NT. "Effect of an Acute Bout of Whole Body Vibration Exercise on Muscle Force Output and Motor Neuron Excitability." J Strength Cond Res. 2009 Oct 7. [Epub ahead of print]

Van Erck A, Vanden Bossche L, Witvrouw E, Van der Kelen V, Wojtowicz I, Adriaenssen J, De Camps T, Van Mieghem S, De Muynck M, Rimbaut S, Parlevliet T, Vanderstraeten G. "Effect of whole body vibration on intracompartmental pressure in the lower leg." J Orthop Sci. 2009 Sep;14(5):618-22. Epub 2009 Oct 3.

Fjeldstad C, Palmer IJ, Bemben MG, Bemben DA. "Whole-body vibration augments resistance training effects on body composition in postmenopausal women." Maturitas. May 20, 2009 ;63(1):79-83. Epub Apr 21, 2009 .

Rhea MR, Kenn JG. "The effect of acute applications of whole-body vibration on the iTonic platform on subsequent lower-body power output during the back squat." J Strength Cond Res. 2009 Jan;23(1):58-61.

Adams JB, Edwards D, Serviette D, Bedient AM, Huntsman E, Jacobs KA, Del Rossi G, Roos BA, Signorile JF. "Optimal frequency, displacement, duration, and recovery patterns to maximize power output following acute whole-body vibration." J Strength Cond Res. Jan 2009;23(1):237-45.

Kemertzis MA, Lythgo ND, Morgan DL, Galea MP. "Ankle flexors produce peak torque at longer muscle lengths after whole-body vibration." Med Sci Sports Exerc. Nov 2008;40(11):1977-83. [Epub ahead of print edition on Oct 8, 2008 ]

Jacobs PL , Burns P. "Acute Enhancement of Lower-Extremity Dynamic Strength and Flexibility with Whole-Body Vibration." J Strength Cond Res. 2008 Sep 26.

Silva HR, Couto BP, Szmuchrowski LA. "Effects of mechanical vibration applied in the opposite direction of muscle shortening on maximal isometric strength." J Strength Cond Res. 2008 Jul;22(4):1031-6.

Dolny DG, Reyes GF. "Whole body vibration exercise: training and benefits." Curr Sports Med Rep. 2008 May-Jun;7(3):152-7.

Melnyk M.; B. Kofler, M. Faist, M. Hodapp, A. Gollhofer. Effect of a Whole-Body Vibration Session on Knee Stability. International Journal of Sports Medicine. 2008 Apr 9.

Cochrane, D.J.; S.R. Stannard, A.J. Sargeant, J. Rittweger. "The rate of muscle temperature increase during acute whole-body vibration exercise." European Journal of Applied Physiology 2008 Apr. 8

Maloney-Hinds, C., J.S. Petrofsky, and G. Zimmerman. "The effect of 30 Hz vs. 50 Hz passive vibration and duration of vibration on skin blood flow in the arm." Medical Science Monitor. 2008 Mar. 14(3):CR112-116.

Kinser A., Ramsey M., O’Bryant H., Ayres C.A. , Sands, W.A. and Stone M.H. "Vibration and Stretching Effects on Flexibility and Explosive Strength in Young Gymnasts." Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 2008 Jan;40(1):133-40.

Annino G., E. Padua, C. Castagna, V.D. Salvo, S. Minichella, O. Tsarpela, V. Manzi, S. D’Ottavio. "Effect of whole body vibration training on lower limb performance in selected high-level ballet students." The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 2007 Nov. 21(4):1072-6.

Da Silva M.E., Fernandez J.M., Castillo E., Nuñez V.M., Vaamonde D.M., Poblador M.S. and Lancho J.L. "Influence of Vibration Training on Energy Expenditure in Active Men." The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 2007, 21(2), 470–475.

Delecluse, C., M. Roelants, and S. Verschueren. "Strength Increase after Whole-Body Vibration Compared with Resistance Training." Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 35, No. 6, pp. 1033–1041, 2003. [PDF]

Cardinale, M. and J. Lim. "Electromyography Activity of Vastus Lateralis Muscle During Whole Body Vibrations of Different Frequencies." Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Vol. 17, No. 3, 2003, pg. 621-624. [PDF]

Rittweger, J., et al. "Oxygen Uptake in Whole Body Vibration Exercise: Influence of Vibration Frequency, Amplitude and External Load." International Journal of Sports Medicine, Vol. 23, 2002, pg. 428-432. [abstract]

Bosco, C., et al. "New Trends in Training Science: The Use of Vibrations for Enhancing Performance." New Studies in Athletics, Vol. 14, No.4, 1999, pg.55-62. [PDF]

Bosco, C., R. Colli, E. Introini, M. Cardinale, M. Iacovelli’, J. Tihanyi, S.P. von Duvillard, A. Viru. "Adaptive Responses of Human Skeletal Muscle to Vibration Exposure." Clinical Physiology, Vol. 19, No. 2, Feb. 1999, pg. 183.[PDF]

Bosco, C., et al. "The Influence of Whole Body Vibration on Jumping Performance." Biology of Sport, Vol. 15, No. 3, 1998, pg. 157-164. [PDF]

Issurin, V. B. and Liebermann, D. G. "Effect of vibratory stimulation training on maximal force and flexibility." Journal of Sports Science, Vol. 12, No. 6, 1994.

Mark, A., et al. "Metabolic and Cardiovascular Responses During Whole Body Vibration Exercise: a Pilot Study." Poster presentation of research. [PDF]

Bosco, C., et al. "The Influence of Whole Body Vibration on the Mechanical Behaviour of Skeletal Muscle." Research paper. [PDF]

Weight Loss

Vissers D, Verrijken A, Mertens I, Van Gils C, Van de Sompel A, Truijen S, Van Gaal L. Effect of long-term whole body vibration training on visceral adipose tissue: a preliminary report. Obesity Facts. 2010, 3(2): 93-100. [Epub 2010 Apr 7]

Vissers D, Baeyens JP, Truijen S, Ides K, Vercruysse CC, Van Gaal L. "The effect of whole body vibration short-term exercises on respiratory gas exchange in overweight and obese women." Phys Sportsmed. 2009 Oct;37(3):88-94.

"Vibration plate machines may aid weight loss and trim abdominal fat." Press release, The European Association for the Study of Obesity. 2009 May 8.

Fjeldstad C, Palmer IJ, Bemben MG, Bemben DA. Whole-body vibration augments resistance training effects on body composition in postmenopausal women." Maturitas. May 20, 2009 ;63(1):79-83. Epub Apr 21, 2009 .

Christiansen BA. "Whole-body vibration and weight loss: truth or consequence?" Int J Obes (Lond). 2009 Mar;33(3):384; author reply 382-3.

Maddalozzo GF, Iwaniec UT , Turner RT, Rosen CJ, Widrick JJ. "Whole-body vibration slows the acquisition of fat in mature female rats." Int J Obes (Lond). Sep 2008;32(9):1348-54. Epub Jul 29, 2008 .

Chiang, Tai Ju and Wang, Soun Cheng Ph.D."The Influence of Whole Body Vibration Stimulus on Energy Expenditure in Obesities" Master’s Thesis, Graduate Institute of Sport and Leisure Education at National Chung Cheng University , July 2007.

P Kotecha. "Effect of 8-Week Study of Oscill-8 on weight, body fat, muscle mass and blood pressure." Anecdotal study, Health Products Research ( Harrow , Middlesex)

Bonner Physical Therapy "Metabolic Study, Oct-Nov 2003" 2003.

Rittweger J, Schiessl H, Felsenberg D. "Oxygen uptake during whole-body vibration exercise: comparison with squatting as a slow voluntary movement" Eur J Appl Physiol. 2001 Dec;86(2):169-73.

Rehab

Sayenko DG, Masani K, Alizadeh-Meghrazi M, Popovic MR, Craven BC. Acute effects of whole body vibration during passive standing on soleus H-reflex in subjects with and without spinal cord injury. Neuroscience Letters. 2010, Jul 13. [Epub ahead of print]

Tihanyi J, Giminiami R, Tihanyi T, Gyulai G, Trzaskoma L, Horváth M. Low resonance frequency vibration affects strength of paretic and non-paretic leg differently in patients with stroke. Acta physiologica Hungarica. 2010 Jun; 97(2): 172-82.

Lapole T, Pérot C. "Effects of repeated Achilles tendon vibration on triceps surae force production." J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2010 Mar 9. [Epub ahead of print]

Ness LL, Field-Fote EC. "Effect of whole-body vibration on quadriceps spasticity in individuals with spastic hypertonia due to spinal cord injury." Restor Neurol Neurosci. 2009;27(6):621-31.

Hand J, Verscheuren S, Osternig L. "A comparison of whole-body vibration and resistance training on total work in the rotator cuff." J Athl Train. 2009 Sep-Oct;44(5):469-74.

Ness L.L., Field-Fote E.C. "Whole-body vibration improves walking function in individuals with spinal cord injury: A pilot study." Gait Posture. Jul 31, 2009 . [Epub ahead of print]

Bakker EW, Verhagen AP, van Trijffel E, Lucas C, Koes BW. "Spinal mechanical load as a risk factor for low back pain: a systematic review of prospective cohort studies." Spine. Apr 15, 2009 ;34(8):E281-93.

Trans T, Aaboe J, Henriksen M, Christensen R, Bliddal H, Lund H. "Effect of whole body vibration exercise on muscle strength and proprioception in females with knee osteoarthritis." Knee. Jan 13, 2009 .

Moezy, Azar; Gholamreza Olyaei, Mohammadreza Hadian, Mohammad Razi, and Soghrat Faghihzadeh. "A Comparative Study of Whole Body Vibration Training and Conventional Training on Knee Proprioception and Postural Stability after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction" British Journal of Sports Medicine. Online: 2008 Jan. 8.

Wellness

Y. Nishihira, T. Iwasaki, A. Hatta, T. Wasaka, T. Kaneda, K. Kuroiwa, S. Akiyama, T. Kida and K. S. Ryol. "Effect of Whole Body Vibration Stimulus and Voluntary Contraction on Motoneuron Pool" Japan Society of Exercise and Sports Physiology.

Liphardt AM, Mündermann A, Koo S, Bäcker N, Andriacchi TP, Zange J, Mester J, Heer M. "Vibration training intervention to maintain cartilage thickness and serum concentrations of cartilage oligometric matrix protein (COMP) during immobilization." Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2009 Sep 1; Epub ahead of print.

Christiansen BA. "Whole-body vibration and weight loss: truth or consequence?" Int J Obes (Lond). 2009 Mar;33(3):384; author reply 382-3. Epub Jan 20, 2009 .

Maddalozzo GF, Iwaniec UT , Turner RT, Rosen CJ, Widrick JJ. "Whole-body vibration slows the acquisition of fat in mature female rats." Int J Obes (Lond). Sep 2008;32(9):1348-54. Epub Jul 29, 2008 .

Otsuki T, Takanami Y, Aoi W, Kawai Y, Ichikawa H, Yoshikawa T. "Arterial stiffness acutely decreases after whole-body vibration in humans." Acta Physiol (Oxf). Epub May 29, 2008 .

Goto K, Takamatsu K. "Hormone and lipolytic responses to whole body vibration in young men." Jpn J Physiol. Oct 2005;55(5):279-84. Epub Nov 8, 2005 .

Cardinale, M. "The Effects of Vibration on Human Performance and Hormonal Profile." Doctoral thesis, Semmelweis University , 2002. [PDF]

Kalu, D.N., et al. "How Cancellous and Cortical Bones Adapt to Loading and Growth Hormone." Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions, 2000, Vol. 1, No. 1, pg. 19-23.

Bosco, C., et al. "Hormonal Responses to Whole-Body Vibration in Men." European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2000, pg. 449-454.

Aging

Bemben DA, Palmer IJ, Bemben MG, Knehans AW. Effects of combined whole-body vibration and resistance training on muscular strength and bone metabolism in postmenopausal women. Bone. 2010 Jun 25. [Epub ahead of print]

Wenger KH, Freeman JD, Fulzele S, Immel DM, Powell BD, Molitor P, Chao YC, Gao HS, El-Salanty M, Hamrick MW, Isales CM, Yu JC. Effect of whole-body vibration on bone properties in aging mice. Bone. 2010 Jul 16. [Epub ahead of print]

Furness TP, Maschette WE, Lorenzen C, Naughton GA , Williams MD. Efficacy of a Whole-Body Vibration Intervention on Functional Performance of Community-Dwelling Older Adults. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2010 Jun 30. [Epub ahead of print]

von Stengel S, Kemmler W, Engelke K, Kalender WA . Effect of whole-body vibration on neuromuscular performance and body composition for females 65 years and older: a randomized-controlled trial. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. 2010 May 24. [Epub ahead of print]

Soiza RL. Letter to the Editor: "Optimising whole body vibration training for use in older people." Age Ageing. 2009 Nov 12. [Epub ahead of print]

"Vibration physical exercises as the rehabilitation in gerontology."[Article in Russian] Adv Gerontol. 2009;22(2):337-42.

Kemmler W, V Stengel S, Mayer S, Niedermayer M, Hentschke C, Kalender WA. Z Gerontol Geriatr. "Effect of whole body vibration on the neuromuscular performance of females 65 years and older : One-year results of the controlled randomized ELVIS study." [Article in German] 2009 Oct 1; Epub ahead of print.

Furness T.P., Maschette W.E. "Influence of whole body vibration platform frequency on neuromuscular performance of community-dwelling older adults." J Strength Cond Res., Aug 2009, 23(5):1508-13.

Kaeding TS. "Sarcopenia and whole body vibration training: An overview." Z Gerontol Geriatr. Epub 2008 Aug 29. [Article in German]

Rees SS, Murphy AJ, Watsford ML. "Effects of whole body vibration on postural steadiness in an older population." J Sci Med Sport. Epub Jun 10, 2008 .

Kawanabe K, Kawashima A, Sashimoto I, Takeda T, Sato Y, Iwamoto J. "Effect of whole-body vibration exercise and muscle strengthening, balance, and walking exercises on walking ability in the elderly." Keio J Med. Mar 2007;56(1):28-33.

Bruyere, O., et al. "Controlled Whole Body Vibrations Improve Health Related Quality of Life in Elderly Patients." Research article abstract.

Medical

Boyle LJ, Nagelkirk PR. The effects of whole body vibration and exercise on fibrinolysis in men. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 2010 Aug 5. [Epub ahead of print]

Wunderer K, Schabrun SM, Chipchase LS. Effects of whole body vibration on strength and functional mobility in multiple sclerosis. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. 2010 Aug; 26(6): 374-84.

Stark C, Nikopoulou-Smyrni P, Stabrey A, Semler O, Schoenau E. Effect of a new physiotherapy concept on bone mineral density, muscle force and gross motor function in children with bilateral cerebral palsy. Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions. 2010 Jun; 10(2): 151-8.

Ruck J, Chabot G, Rauch F. "Vibration treatment in cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled pilot study." J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact. 2010 Mar;10(1):77-83.

Gusi N, Parraca JA, Olivares PR, Leal A, Adsuar JC. "Tilt vibratory exercise improves the dynamic balance in fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial." Arthritis Care Res. ( Hoboken ) 2010 Mar 16. [Epub ahead of print].

Belavý DL, Miokovic T, Armbrecht G, Rittweger J, Felsenberg D. "Resistive vibration exercise reduces lower limb muscle atrophy during 56-day bed-rest." J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact. 2009 Oct-Dec;9(4):225-35.

Thompson, Sylvia. "Green light for exercise." The Irish Times. 2009, Nov 24.

Schyns F, Paul L, Finlay K, Ferguson C, Noble E. Vibration therapy in multiple sclerosis: a pilot study exploring its effects on tone, muscle force, sensation and functional performance. Clin Rehabil. Sep 2009;23(9):771-81. Epub Jun 26, 2009 .

Alentorn-Geli E, Padilla J, Moras G, Lázaro Haro C, Fernández-Solà J. "Six weeks of whole-body vibration exercise improves pain and fatigue in women with fibromyalgia." J Altern Complement Med. Oct 2008;14(8):975-81.

Rietschel E, van Koningsbruggen S, Fricke O, Semler O, Schoenau E. "Whole body vibration: a new therapeutic approach to improve muscle function in cystic fibrosis?" Int J Rehabil Res. 2008 Sep;31(3):253-6.

Semler, O.; O. Fricke, K. Vezyroglou, C. Stark, A. Stabrey, E. Schoenau. "Results of a prospective pilot trial on mobility after whole body vibration in children and adolescents with osteogenesis imperfecta." Clinical Rehabilitation. May 2008; 22(5):387-94.

Reichardt, Christian. "Whole Body Vibration and Scoliosis Treatment." The American Chiropractor. April 2008:48-50.

Semler, O., O. Fricke, K. Vezyroglou, C. Stark, E. Schoenau. "Preliminary results on the mobility after whole body vibration in immobilized children and adolescents." J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact 2007; 7(1):77-81."One session of whole body vibration increases voluntary muscle strength transiently in patients with stroke." Clinical Rehabilitation 2007. Vol. 21: 782–793.

Tihanyi, T.K., M. Horváth, G. Fazekas, T. Hortobágyi and J. Tihanyi.

Haas, Christian T., Stephan Turbanski, Kirn Kessler and Dietmar Schmidtbleicher. "The effects of random whole-body-vibration on motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease." NeuroRehabilitation 21, 2006: 29–36.

Price, Kelly. Article in the Nashville Medical News. "MS and WBV: A Promising Combination." October 2006.

Schuhfried, Othmar, C. Mittermaier, T. Jovanovic, K. Pieber and T. Paternostro-Sluga. "Effects of whole-body vibration in patients with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study." Clinical Rehabilitation 2005. Vol. 19: 834-842.

Fontana , Tania L., Carolyn A. Richardson, and Warren R. Stanton. "The effect of weightbearing exercise with low frequency, whole body vibration on lumbosacral proprioception: A pilot study on normal subjects." Australian Journal of Physiotherapy. 2005: Vol. 51.

Turbanski S, Haas CT, Schmidtbleicher D, Friedrich A, Duisberg P. "Effects of random whole-body vibration on postural control in Parkinson’s disease." Research in Sports Medicine, 2005, Jul – Sep, Vol. 13, No. 3, pg. 243-56.

van Nes, Ilse J.W., et al. "Short-Term Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Postural Control in Unilateral Chronic Stroke Patients: Preliminary Evidence." Abstract from the American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vol. 83, No. 11, Nov. 2004, pg. 867-873.

Verschueren, S., M. Roelants, C. Delecluse, S. Swinnen, D. Vanderschueren and S. Boonen. "Effect of 6-Month Whole Body Vibration Training on Hip Density, Muscle Strength, and Postural Control in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study." Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, Vol. 19, March 2004, pg. 352-359.

Lenhardt, M.L., et al. "Use of High-Frequency and Muscle Vibration in the Treatment of Tinnitus." International Tinnitus Journal, 2003, Vol. 9, No. 1, pg. 32-36.

Bone Health / Osteoporosis

Belavý DL, Beller G, Armbrecht G, Perschel FH, Fitzner R, Bock O, Börst H, Degner C, Gast U, Felsenberg D. Evidence for an additional effect of whole-body vibration above resistive exercise alone in preventing bone loss during prolonged bed rest. Osteoporos Int. 2010 Sep 3. [Epub ahead of print]

Verschueren SM, Bogaerts A, Delecluse C, Claessens AL, Haentjens P, Vanderschueren D, Boonen S. The effects of whole body vibration training and vitamin D supplementation on muscle strength, muscle mass and bone density in institutionalised elderly women – A 6-month randomised controlled trial. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. 2010 Jul 20. [Epub ahead of print]

Judex S, Rubin CT. Is bone formation induced by high-frequency mechanical signals modulated by muscle activity?. Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions.. 2010 Mar; 10(1): 3-11.

Slatkovska L, Alibhai SM, Beyene J, Cheung AM. Effect of whole-body vibration on BMD: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Osteoporosis International. 2010 Apr 21. [Epub ahead of print]

von Stengel S, Kemmler W, Engelke K, Kalender WA . "Effects of whole body vibration on bone mineral density and falls: results of the randomized controlled ELVIS study with postmenopausal women." Osteoporos Int. 2010 Mar 20. [Epub ahead of print]

Wenger KH, Freeman JD, Fulzele S, Immel DM, Powell BD, Molitor P, Chao YC, Gao HS, El-Salanty M, Hamrick MW, Isales CM, Yu JC. Effect of whole-body vibration on bone properties in aging mice. Bone. 2010 Jul 16. [Epub ahead of print]

Humphries B, Fenning A, Dugan E, Guinane J, MacRae K. "Whole-body vibration effects on bone mineral density in women with or without resistance training." Aviat Space Environ Med. 2009 Dec;80(12):1025-31.

de Zepetnek JO, Giangregorio LM, Craven BC. "Whole-body vibration as potential intervention for people with low bone mineral density and osteoporosis: a review." J Rehabil Res Dev. 2009;46(4):529-42.

Rittweger J, Beller G, Armbrecht G, Mulder E, Buehring B, Gast U, Dimeo F, Schubert H, de Haan A, Stegeman DF, Schiessl H, Felsenberg D. "Prevention of bone loss during 56 days of strict bed rest by side-alternating resistive vibration exercise." Bone 2009 Sep 2; Epub ahead of print.

von Stengel S, Kemmler W, Mayer S, Engelke K, Klarner A, Kalender WA. "Effect of whole body vibration exercise on osteoporotic risk factors." Dtsch Med Wochenschr [article in German]. Jul 2009;134(30):1511-6. Epub Jul 14, 2009 .

Sehmisch S, Galal R, Kolios L, Tezval M, Dullin C, Zimmer S, Stuermer KM, Stuermer EK. "Effects of low-magnitude, high-frequency mechanical stimulation in the rat osteopenia model." Osteoporos Int. Mar 13, 2009 .

Ezenwa B, Burns E, Wilson C. "Multiple vibration intensities and frequencies for bone mineral density improvement." Conference Proceedings, IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2008;1:4186-9.

Palca, Joe. "Vibrations Shown to Build Bone, Reduce Fat." A news article featuring Clinton Rubin’s research into whole body vibration. National Public Radio (text and audio), October 29, 2007 .

Rubin, Clinton T. "Contraindications and Potential Dangers of the Use of Vibration as a Treatment for Osteoporosis and other Musculoskeletal Diseases." Published April 2007.

Gilsanz, Vicente, Tishya AL Wren, Monique Sanchez, Frederick Dorey, Stefan Judex, and Clinton Rubin. "Low-Level, High-Frequency Mechanical Signals Enhance Musculoskeletal Development of Young Women With Low BMD." Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. Vol. 21, No. 9, 2006.

Rubin, Clinton, Stefan Judex, Yi-Xian Qin. "Low-level mechanical signals and their potential as a non-pharmacological intervention for osteoporosis." Age and Ageing. 2006; 35-S2: ii32–ii36.

Rubin, Janet; Clinton Rubin, Christopher Rae Jacobs. "Molecular pathways mediating mechanical signaling in bone." Gene. 2006 Feb 15. 367: 1-16.

Verschueren, S., M. Roelants, C. Delecluse, S. Swinnen, D. Vanderschueren and S. Boonen. "Effect of 6-Month Whole Body Vibration Training on Hip Density, Muscle Strength, and Postural Control in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study." Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, Vol. 19, March 2004, pg. 352-359.

Barry, Patrick L. quot;Good Vibrations: A New Treatment Under Study by NASA-funded Doctors Could Reverse Bone Loss Experienced by Astronauts in Space." Science @ NASA Web site, Nov. 2, 2001 .

Bosco, C., R. Colli, E. Introini, M. Cardinale, M. Iacovelli’, J. Tihanyi, S.P. von Duvillard, A. Viru. "Adaptive Responses of Human Skeletal Muscle to Vibration Exposure." Clinical Physiology, Vol. 19, No. 2, Feb. 1999, pg. 183.[PDF]

Schießl, H., J. Willnecker. "New Insights about the Relationship between Bone Strength and Muscle Strength." Paper abstract.[PDF]

General Information

Marín PJ, Bunker D, Rhea MR, Ayllón FN. "Neuromuscular activity during whole-body vibration of different amplitudes and footwear conditions: implications for prescription of vibratory stimulation." J Strength Cond Res. 2009 Nov;23(8):2311-6.

"Vibration and the Neuromuscular System." Educational article from the Perth Integrated Health Clinic.

Rittweger J. "Vibration as an exercise modality: how it may work, and what its potential might be." Eur J Appl Physiol. 2009 Dec. 12. [Epub ahead of print]

Rauch F. "Vibration therapy." Dev Med Child Neurol. 2009 Oct;51. Suppl 4:166-8.

Belav, D.L.; J.A. Hides, S.J. Wilson, W. Stanton, F.C. Dimeo, J. Rittweger, D. Felsenberg, C.A. Richardson. "Resistive simulated weightbearing exercise with whole body vibration reduces lumbar spine deconditioning in bed-rest." Spine. 2008 Mar. 1. 33,(5): E121-31.

Hazell, T.J., J.M. Jakobi, K.A. Kenno. "The effects of whole-body vibration on upper- and lower-body EMG during static and dynamic contractions." Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism. 2007 Dec. 32(6): 1156-63.

Palca, Joe. "Vibrations Shown to Build Bone, Reduce Fat." A news article featuring Clinton Rubin’s research into whole body vibration. National Public Radio (text and audio), October 29, 2007 .

Reichardt, Christian H. "Vibrational Therapy: How does it work for exercise?" The American Chiropractor July 2007.

Bruce, Robert Douglas, III. "The Problem of Bone Loss During Space Flight and the Need for More Effective Treatments to Make a Mission to Mars Safer." May 28, 2002 . Literature Review.

Raloff, Janet. "Medicinal EMFs: Harnessing Electric and Magnetic Fields for Healing and Health." Science News, Vol. 156, No. 20, 1999, pg. 316.

Griffin , M.J. "Biodynamic Response To Whole-Body Vibration." The Shock and Vibration Digest 1981. Vol. 13; 3-12.

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