iTonic Whole Body Vibration Training

What is Vibration Training?

Vibration Training is a neuromuscular training method which uses vibration stimulus to incite an involuntary response in muscles. Mechanoreceptors are the sensory organs of the muscles which are sensitive to mechanical stimulation. When stimulated by vibration, the mechanoreceptors send impulses to the spine and cause the muscle to contract and relax at the rate of the vibration, a phenomenon called Tonic Vibration Reflex (TVR). This response recruits nearly 100% of the muscle fibers in contraction and enhances neuromuscular efficiency. Skeletal muscles contract and release at the same frequency of the vibration, for example if standing in a squat position on the vibration platform set at 30Hz, muscles will contract and release 900 times in a 30 – second session.

The mechanical rationale behind using the iTonic Vibration Platform is a simple yet powerful formula:
Force = Mass X Acceleration. In traditional strength training, force production is primarily affected by Mass or increasing load by adding weight to an exercise. In Vibration Training, we look at the acceleration variable. The acceleration variable is increased as the result of the platform rapidly moving up and down at a specific frequency. Parameters in Vibration Training are: Hertz (Hz) – the frequency at which the platform travels up and down in one second, Amplitude (L/H) – the vertical distance the platform moves in one second (2mm – 4mm). In the instance of vibration, velocity is the speed at which the platform moves the distance in amplitude. Time is defined as how long it takes to make one vibration. Mass is body weight. Force is the amount of resistance the body is experiencing.


Benefits of Vibration Training
· Time – efficient workout
· High muscle activation with less fatigue
· Boost metabolism and burn calories
· Build core strength, stability and balance
· Improve muscle mass and tone
· Decrease Cortisol (stress hormone)
· Increase testosterone and growth hormone levels
· Easy on the joints
· Increase joint mobility
· Facilitates blood circulation
· Helps to increase bone density to combat osteoporosis

Flexibility and Mobility
Research shows that Vibration Training improves muscle flexibility and range of motion in joints. The significant factors involved are the stretch reflex, reciprocal inhibition, increased heat and pliability, decreased discomfort or pain and the ability of muscles to adopt a new, greater length instantly. The linked responses are positively influenced by vibration and result in warm, elongated, fluid, adaptable muscles and connective tissues, and, ultimately, in an improved range of motion.
When tight muscles are stretched on the iTonic, the vibration reflex and reciprocal inhibition gently and safely allow new range of motion for the muscles being stretched. Traditional contract/relax stretches take minutes to accomplish, and often require a partner, but the iTonic allows a lone individual to achieve greater flexibility in 30 seconds or less.

Regeneration & Recovery
Vibration Training on the iTonic encourages regeneration and recovery, thereby providing immune-boosting benefits, stress reduction, and a sense of well being and ease. The relaxation response results from the activation of the body’s natural reflexes: the alternating contract/relax phenomenon, which activates autogenic inhibition, improved circulation, flexibility, delivery of nutrients and oxygen, and a hormonal response inducing relaxation.
In this respect, the iTonic can act in the same way that bodywork, therapeutic massage and other relaxation techniques do. It benefits the ease and balance of the autonomic nervous system by interrupting negative feedback loops, switching off the pain/spasm cycle and easing tight muscles.

Strength and Power
Vibration Training on the iTonic encourages smarter, stronger, faster neuromuscular systems and offers immediate benefits of improved strength and power, greater hormonal balance, and structural enhancements to muscles and movement patterns that occur over time.
The enhanced neuromuscular development and reinforcement of strength results from high force production and low stress, low impact training.


The iTonic allows clients to perform more work and force production in less time, and to create movement efficiency and skill. Vibration Training positively impacts on every system required for all of the applications of force: neural systems as well as, physiological, mechanical, metabolic and hormonal systems.