Carmen Shawn recently started her clients on a new training method and wanted to share it with us. Read on to find out what she’s working with.

Carmen, you’ve started with a new training technique for your clients called Whole Body Vibration Training, tell us a little bit about it.

I use FITVIBE, which is similar to Powerplate but better! Whole body vibration Training platforms (FITVIBE) enables the user to train various muscles, and trigger other body reactions. The “Fitvide” (WBV) evenly distributes vibrations throughout the body. This accelerates and increases the same muscular contractions and relaxation reflexes you will get from traditional resistance training. So you can get the same benefits in less time.

What got you onto WBV in the first place?

It was introduced to me at my gym, “Miami Beach Fitness”. I took a workshop and got certified on WBV training. I believed in the benefits and what it could do for my clients. I liked the idea of incorporating it into my clients current training programs for variety and to get them to take their workouts to another level.

What are the benefits to Whole Body Vibration Training?

There are many benefits to WBV:

• muscle strength

• improved explosive

• increased ROM, flexibility

• increased Bone density

• improves balance

• increases blood circulation

• cellulite reduction

• accelerates healing and rehab

• improves recovery

Other added benefits are short but efficient workouts and because contractions are involuntary, it recruits unconscious motor units to correct faulty movements.

Are there any drawbacks about WBV? Anything you would improve?

Not many drawbacks at all! You can pretty much train all your muscle groups, do cardiovascular training etc but limits exercise variety. Other then that, if you are a creative trainer and have the correct gym set up, you could go between the “Fitvibe” and traditional training to make a great workout!

Do you use it to workout?

Yes! I try and use it once a week. Mostly for legs. I will sometimes superset between “Fitvibe” and traditional training for a challenge!

What does your WBV workout routine consist of?

An example of what I do: a) Jump squats on Fitvibe supersetting with Bentover cable rows, b) reverse lunge off Fitvibe with pushups. This is just a part of what I do and is very challenging! Idea is to do each set non stop!

What is your favorite body part to train on the Fitvibe?

My favorite body part to train using WBV is my legs! My legs are very strong but also can be my trouble spot. Using Fitvibe helps tighten my legs and reduces cellulite(we all have it ladies!) It also great for bone density which is important to me.

Any problem areas that you have to work on more then others?

My legs and arms are trouble spots for me. WBV training helps stimulate the muscle in these areas. It fires fast twitch fibers to help in muscle development. I do a lot of cardio because I teach Group Fitness classes. Cardio (endurance) activities, mostly recruits slow-twitch. Recruiting both are very important so you need to look at what activities you do mostly and balance it out ( crosstraining). Your best results will come from that.

Where can we get more information on WBV and Fitvibe?

Go to www.fitvibe.com You can also Lana Gelb at Miami Beach Fitness 305-945-7570

You’ve got some stuff in the works. A website and some other ventures, fill us in.

I am currently working on a fitness blog. I am very excited about this! I will be covering gyms, different programs, classes, trainers and what others do to stay in shape in Miami Beach. I am also working on two websites, one for modeling and one for personal training. Will let you know when everything is ready to go!

Carmen Shawn