General Benefits of All Quality WBV Products:

-          Helpful for warm up

-          Improved flexibility

-          Assist in post-workout lactic acid flush

-          Improved lymphatic drainage

-          Reduction in cortisol

-          Can assist in increasing bone mineral density (BMD)

-          Helps to balances hormones

-          Releases endorphins

Benefits Specific to Pivotal WBV Products:

-          Can improve mobility quickly (in relative terms) for seniors and/or deconditioned subjects

-          Can reduce low back pain via mobilization of the lumbar/SIJ regions

-          Can be effective in the rehab of total hip and knee replacement

-          Reduces the transfer of vibration to the head

-          Can help deconditioned subjects improve fitness quickly

-          Great for core activation and core strengthening

-          Great for increasing lower body strength for those sports dependent on lower body (Ex: skiing, snowboarding, cycling)

-          Great for increasing explosive power (for sports specific training)

-          Assists in weight loss, both through reduction of cortisol and mobilization of subcutaneous fat

-          Increases secretion of hGH, which plays an important role in lipolysis, or breakdown of fat cells, thereby aiding the breakdown of cellulite.

-          NOTE: The breakthrough published study that shows a 4.1% increase in femoral head BMD among post-menopausal test subjects was performed on a pivotal machine

-          NOTE: This same study also showed a 29% improvement in balance, even though test subjects were not performing balance-specific training

Right now, at age 75, after about eight months, I am exercising with the PV machine about four times a week. Last Spring I wanted to loose some weight and went on a diet. In about three months I lost eighteen pounds, which was easier and more successful than previous tries and it seems less an effort now to maintain the loss. I think the Power Vibe definitely plays a role in the weight loss process. After an exercise session on the Power Vibe, I feel energized and, at the same time, feel relaxed and always enjoy the session. In addition to the Power Vibe, I practice Hatha Yoga three times a week and walk about a mile and a half four times a week. The Power Vibe has certainly made a difference to me in ways I can see and I’m sure in less obvious areas like bone density and circulation.

Judy

(VANCOUVER-January 17, 2011)—Although there’s been tremendous coverage of Boomers turning 65, the fact remains that many millions of people are also turning 50. Those individuals are entering the active-aging market with needs and desires that will help shape the industry, starting now.

“We’re looking at a huge market that, in effect, embraces people ages 50 to 100 and beyond,” says Colin Milner, CEO of the International Council on Active Aging (www.icaa.cc), who is among those turning 50 in 2011. “While there’s bound to be some segmentation, certain values, principles, and social-economic forces are converging to the point where we can make some predictions for the market as a whole.”

1. More wellness programs. Wellness is exploding. The field has grown exponentially in the past five years and is projected to continue doing so. More than three quarters (77%) of respondents to a recent ICAA survey said they plan to expand their wellness activities. Wellness programs for older adults are growing in number. Among the 65% who have a formal wellness program, 46% of programs have been in place for 1-5 years.¹  

2. More wellness professionals. Among organizations and communities with wellness programs, 27% plan to add more staff.¹  “We’ll see more exercise physiologists, sports medicine professionals, chiropractors, orthopedists, naturopaths, and physical therapists on staff,” says Milner.  However, personal training, along with other fitness jobs, is expected to grow much faster than average in the U.S., driven mainly by the needs and desires of Boomers.²

3. Convergence of rehabilitation and wellness. “After the common cold, sports injuries are the number-two reason Boomers visit their doctors. Therefore, as Boomers work to stay fit, many of them will also be working with rehab professionals,” Milner notes. “The convergence is also being driven by a focus on function. Preventing functional decline is a purview of wellness; returning people to optimal function is the purview of rehabilitation.”

4. Rejection of stereotypes of aging. “We’ll see greater diversity in portrayals of aging and greater achievements by older adults,” Milner says. “Because of sheer numbers alone, companies will be focusing more on this demographic. To be successful, they will have to change their perceptions of what ‘aging’ means and what older adults want.’”

5. Increase in energy-boosting solutions. According to a Natural Marketing Institute survey, 82% of older adults want to maintain a healthy lifestyle to ensure they have energy as they age. “This opens the door to an array of programs aimed at boosting energy, from exercise to chronic health issue support services,” Milner says. “The industry will focus on overcoming the paradox identified by researchers a few years back: 69% of older adults exercise to increase their energy level, yet lack of energy is consistently put forth as a barrier to exercise.” ³

6. Redefinition of “retirement.” Workers over 55 are expected to account for 93% of the U.S. labor force’s growth through 2016, and many of these workers say they’re staying on the job not for the money, but because they want to continue feeling useful and productive.⁴ This trend means organizations will have more opportunities to provide health management, fitness, and wellness programs to help keep older adults as productive as possible for as long as possible.
7.  Technology, technology, technology. “Moving beyond the Wii, we’ll see everything from immersive games for lifelong learning and participation in social causes to more sophisticated ‘brain games’ and assistive devices that extend function into and through the later years of life,” says Milner. “We’ll also see more innovative technologies in support of aging in place, including e-health technologies and social media.”

8. Reengineering of industries to accommodate a healthier older adult market. The global wellness market is estimated at nearly $2 trillion dollars.⁵ “We’ll see an upsurge in wellness centers, housing, parks and recreation projects that will require new approaches by architects, developers, builders, suppliers and program-management professionals,” Milner observes.

9. Growth of “green exercise” and green communities. Hiking, trail walks, meditation gardens, labyrinths, cycling paths, gardening, and eco tourism will flourish going forward, according to Milner. Research has shown that five minutes of exercise in a park, working in garden, or in another green space benefits self esteem and mood.⁶ What’s more, “Boomers are fueling a new era of social responsibility and environmental stewardship, and are active participants in organizational ‘green teams.’”

10. More age-friendly cities. What began as an initiative by the World Health Organization  in 2007⁷ has now trickled down to cities across the US, Canada, Europe, Latin America, and beyond. In its push for the continued creation of environments that foster social inclusion and social participation, WHO stresses that “Active ageing is a lifelong process, …[therefore] an age-friendly city is not just ‘elderly friendly.’” Says Milner, “if we view active aging as a process that begins at birth and continues throughout the lifespan, then this initiative can only continue to grow.”

About the International Council on Active Aging

The International Council on Active Aging® is the professional association that leads, connects and defines the active-aging industry. ICAA supports professionals who develop wellness organizations, programs and services for adults over 50. The association is focused on active aging—an approach to aging that helps older adults live as fully as possible within all dimensions of wellness—and provides its members with education, information, resources and tools. As an active-aging educator and advocate, ICAA has advised numerous organizations and governmental bodies, including the US Administration on Aging, the National Institute on Aging (one of the US National Institutes of Health), the US Department of Health and Human Services, Canada’s Special Senate Committee on Aging, and the British Columbia ministries of Health, and Healthy Living and Sport.

1. ICAA Active Aging Industry Development Survey 2010.

2. ICAA Active Aging Industry Development Survey 2010. And, the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Fitness workers. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition. Updated December 17, 2009).

3. The Natural Marketing Institute. (2006). Energy. The Boomer/Healthy Aging Database.. And, Age and Ageing 2004;33: 287-292.

4. Pew Research Center, September 2009.

5. Global Spa Summit

6. Environmental Science and Technology 2010;44:3847-3955.

7. http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2007/9789241547307_eng.pdf

(Vancouver-December 27, 2010) What’s the difference between the day before your birthday and the day after? “Practically speaking, nothing at all,” declares Colin Milner, CEO of the International Council on Active Aging (www.icaa.cc), a membership organization that brings together professionals in the independent and assisted living, fitness, rehabilitation and wellness fields to dispel society’s myths about aging..

“Whether you’re turning 30, 40, 50, 65, or 90, there’s no reason to assume you’re doomed to decline after a certain age—especially if you’re doing everything you can to stay healthy and active.”

Milner offers the following “E-tips” to help you extend a healthy life, or embark on one if you haven’t yet done so (citations available on request):

1. Expectations: If  you’ve been following a healthy lifestyle up ’til now, simply keep going; if you need to make changes, anticipate succeeding, not failing—and don’t let age be a barrier. Research has shown that thinking positively about getting older can extend your life by as much as 7.5 years.
2. Enthusiasm: Few people are thrilled with every aspect of their lives, but many have at least one area—family, friends, work, avocation—they feel good about. Identify an activity or connection that sparks your enthusiasm and make it your lifeline; try to extend that enthusiasm to other areas of your life.
3. Energy: Having the energy and motivation you need to age well are hallmarks of healthy living. If you’re fatigued all the time, don’t let apathy and lethargy drag you down; get a checkup to try to determine the cause—and the solution.
4. Eating: Eating a balanced diet and attaining/maintaining a normal weight are keys to physical and mental health; if you need to lose weight or make changes in your diet, keep your expectations high—you can do it.
5. Exercise: Staying physically active fuels the body and mind. If you’re already exercising regularly, keep it up; if you’re getting started, know your skill level, set goals, progress at your own pace, and be consistent.
6. Engagement: Volunteers have higher levels of well-being and life satisfaction than those who don’t volunteer; volunteering and other forms of civic and social engagement can play an important role in maintaining good health in later life. “Get involved,” Milner urges.
7. Emotions: Everyone feels down at times, but full-blown depression is a major cause of disability. If you’re feeling out of sorts for two weeks or more, talk with your doctor or take an online screening test at www.mentalhealthscreening.org/. In many instances, simply exercising and eating right can change your mood.
8. 8.      Education: Life-long learning is important to living an independent and fulfilling life. Start now to learn a new area of knowledge or physical activity. It’s good for the brain.
9. 9.      Effort: Changing expectations and embarking on new behaviors take energy and effort, but the results are well worth it.
10. 10.   Enjoyment: A healthy life generally is a joyous one. “Savor the process of being or becoming active, engaged, and truly alive,” Milner enthuses.

“The new year is a great time to take stock and ask yourself, ‘where do I want to go from here?,’” Milner says. “Emphasize the positive and don’t let your age, or anyone else, deter you.”

***

About the International Council on Active Aging

The International Council on Active Aging® is the professional association that leads, connects and defines the active-aging industry. ICAA supports professionals who develop wellness facilities, programs and services for adults over 50. The association is focused on active aging—an approach to aging that helps older adults live as fully as possible within all dimensions of wellness—and provides its members with education, information, resources and tools. As an active-aging educator and advocate, ICAA has advised numerous organizations and governmental bodies, including the US Administration on Aging, the National Institute on Aging (one of the US National Institutes of Health), the US Department of Health and Human Services, Canada’s Special Senate Committee on Aging, and the British Columbia ministries of Health, and Healthy Living and Sport.

“We want older adults to be successful when they choose a personal trainer,” explained Colin Milner, CEO of ICAA. “More older adults-from the Senior Olympian to the non-exerciser with a hip replacement-are seeking personal trainers. And personal trainers are available in more venues so they are easier to find.

“Adults over 55 are the fastest growing segment of health club members, according to IHRSA, the health club association, and virtually all health clubs offer personal training. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that active adults between 50 and 75 years old are driving employment for personal trainers in programs that appeal to active retirees, such as cruise ships, golf clubs and hospital wellness programs. All these places offer personal training.

“We needed a tool to help older adults find the right personal trainer. There are so many certifications and degrees that it is hard for older adults to know what to look for. The Age-Friendly Checklist was designed to look beyond a single piece of paper to qualities that will help older adults be comfortable when selecting a personal trainer.”

ICAA Age-Friendly Personal Trainer Checklist

Look for a trainer who has a Yes beside most questions.

EXPERIENCE

Y N Does the trainer have at least two years of experience as a trainer?
Y N Does that include experience training clients my age?
Y N Will the exercise program be based on an individual assessment of my goals, abilities and health status?
Y N Has the trainer worked with people with my medical conditions? (eg, arthritis, diabetes or back pain)?
Y N Has the trainer worked before with a physical therapist or a physician?
Y N Does the trainer know about exercise limitation for the medications I take?

EDUCATION

Y N Does the trainer have education in exercise sciences and program design?
Y N Is there specific education in gerontology or the changes that occur as people age?
Y N Does the trainer have a personal training certification?
Y N Is there a resource (advisory board, professor, colleagues) the trainer uses to answer questions and generate ideas?
Y N Does the trainer feel that you should “work through” pain you feel during exercise? (The answer should be “no.”)
Y N Does the trainer recommend a diet or supplement? (The answer should be “no” unless the trainer is also a registered or licensed dietitian.)

PERSONALITY

Y N The trainer has told me what to expect from the sessions.
Y N My time commitment, including days exercising on my own, is clear.
Y N The trainer seems to have a sense of humor and personality that I like.
Y N The trainer listened carefully to my questions and answered them.
Y N The clothes, posture and verbal skills are a good match for me.
Y N I think I can spend several hours a week with this trainer.

BUSINESS PRACTICES

Y N The trainer can work in my home (if applicable).
Y N I will receive written invoices and records of my sessions for my family and insurance company.
Y N The trainer offers other services I’m interested in, e.g., referral to a dietitian or massage therapy.
Y N The costs of the session are clearly stated.
Y N There is a cancellation policy I understand.
Y N The trainer will give me references to past clients.
Y N If coming to the house, the trainer is insured or bonded.

For more information on how to evaluate a trainer’s answers, visit “Questions to Ask a Personal Trainer” at http://www.icaa.cc/consumer/age-friendlyguides.htm

About the International Council on Active Aging
The International Council on Active Aging® is the professional association that leads, connects and defines the active-aging industry. ICAA supports professionals who develop wellness facilities, programs and services for adults over 50. The association is focused on active aging—an approach to aging that helps older adults live as fully as possible within all dimensions of wellness—and provides its members with education, information, resources and tools. As an active-aging educator and advocate, ICAA has advised numerous organizations and governmental bodies, including the US Administration on Aging, the National Institute on Aging (one of the US National Institutes of Health), the US Department of Health and Human Services, Canada’s Special Senate Committee on Aging, and the British Columbia ministries of Health, and Healthy Living and Sport.
For interviews or more information about the ICAA and aging-related issues, contact:

Colin Milner, CEO
International Council on Active Aging
Toll-free: 1-866-335-9777 (North America only)
Telephone: 604-734-4466
Cell: 604-763-4595
Email: colinmilner@icaa.cc

Fitness Industry Leader and ICAA Co-Brand Curriculum for Older-Adult Communities 

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (December 6, 2010)—The American Council on Exercise (ACE), America’s leading authority on fitness and the largest nonprofit fitness certification, education and training organization in the world, today announced that it has collaborated with the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), an association that leads, connects and defines the active-aging industry, to offer professional development for staff members who provide fitness and wellness programs in  senior living and community-based senior centers throughout the country .  As an extension of the existing partnership between ACE and the ICAA formed in March of 2009 the dedicated education tracks are designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of rehabilitation, nursing, recreation and fitness professionals who provide fitness and wellness programs to mature adults.  The initiative was unveiled this week at the International Council on Active Aging Conference 2010.

“We are thrilled to see a growing interest in fitness and physical activity at older-adult facilities,” said Scott Goudeseune, ACE president and CEO.  “As a result of the growing awareness in understanding the critical nature of physical activity for this population, we are pleased to be able to enhance our partnership with the ICAA by co-creating specific professional development tracks to help advance the knowledge, skills and abilities of individuals working in these environments and provide safe and effective programming for the 50+ population.” 

In developing this important programming, ACE drew from its decades of knowledge and research in the fitness arena and  leveraged data gathered by ACE and ICAA representatives after interviewing leading employers representing a cross-section of senior living communities and community-based senior centers.  These efforts quantified their professional development needs, as well as the resources necessary to enhance the delivery of fitness and wellness programs for residents and participants. 

“By expanding our partnership with ACE through this co-branded curriculum, we are empowering older adults to improve their quality of life,” said Colin Milner, executive director of the ICAA.  “We know that this demographic is seeking safe, relevant and effective fitness-based programming, and it is our goal to offer the highest quality educational tools available to ensure that they receive it.  Given that the individuals delivering training at these centers come from variety of backgrounds, these tracks strengthen their expertise while providing them with specific lessons and guidelines to follow.”

The new education tracks are available from both organizations online at www.acefitness.org and www.icaa.cc beginning December 5^th, 2010.

About the American Council on Exercise
The American Council on Exercise (ACE), America’s premier certification, education and training organization, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the benefits of physical activity and protecting consumers against unsafe and ineffective fitness products and instruction.  ACE sponsors university-based exercise science research and is the world’s largest nonprofit fitness certifying organization.  For more information on ACE and its programs, call (800) 825-3636 or log onto the ACE website at www.acefitness.org.

For interviews or more information about ICAA or aging-related issues, contact:

Colin Milner, CEO, International Council on Active Aging
Toll-free: 1-866-335-9777 (North America only)
Telephone: 604-734-4466; cell: 604-763-4595
colinmilner@icaa.cc
www.icaa.cc

When oxygen levels are increased, the red blood cells pick up the extra oxygen, and provide it to our body tissues. Waste gases and toxins are removed more efficiently and cells begin to function normally.

Anaerobic viruses, bacteria and fungi, unable to live in oxygen – enriched environment, are compromised. Oxygen builds resistance to infections like yeast that thrive in an oxygen deficient environment. Oxygen helps to neutralize acids in our body, like lactic acid resulting from muscle overload. Our body’s chemical reactions are “fired-up” due to the increased oxygen levels. We burn fat more efficiently.  Sleep often improves. We feel better, our body is healthier and we think more clearly because of increased oxygenation.

Integrating it with moderate exercise on a whole body vibration platform for relatively short periods of time is very innovative. One study in Canada has shown that using a rebounder for 30 minutes a day while breathing oxygen is like being on it the full 24 hours a day.  On a vibration platform set for 20 Hertz it would be similar to jumping on a rebounder 20 times a second.  Since it’s not physically possible to do that on a rebounder, similar results would be achieved in a much shorter amount of time using WBV.  Exercising on a WBV platform while using oxygen therapy replenishes the used oxygen immediately and really drives it into the cells.

 Whole body vibration improves circulation and oxygen delivery to peripheral tissues such as the feet, hands, skin and hair, as well as, organs, glands, muscle and fat. The increase in oxygen and blood circulation also increases the ability of the cells to eliminate waste, respond to hormones and absorb nutrients, sugars and minerals. Many conditions occur because of lack of proper oxygenation, and circulation to any part of the body.  

Whole Body Vibration and Oxygen Therapy, What a great combination!

When you work out with weights, you’re working out your skeletal muscles. There are actually many more muscles in your body that are involuntary, smooth muscles and involuntary muscles. All the little muscles that are involuntary, the brain stem controls.  That’s why urinary incontinence is helped with whole body vibration, because almost every muscle in your body is getting stimulated naturally in response to the vibration.   

Whole Body Vibration can be used to exercise the perinea muscles of the pelvic basin.  Stimulating them at a rapid rate of about 25HZ while holding these muscles contracted improves their strength.  This can potentially reduce incontinence in patients with such weak muscles.

More than 10 million people in the U.S. have osteoarthritis of the knee, and your lifetime risk of developing it is nearly one in two. But there is good news: Experts keep finding more steps that people can take to reduce discomfort and to prevent, delay, or slow osteoarthritis.

 Achieve a healthy weight

According to one national survey, obese women had nearly four times the risk of getting osteoarthritis of the knee than their lighter peers; obese men had five times the risk.  Losing just 10 pounds can significantly reduce your chances of developing the disease.

 Strengthen your muscles

In a recent University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics study, women with stronger quadriceps, or front thigh muscles, were better protected from knee osteoarthritis than weaker subjects.  Exercising on a whole body vibration platform improves muscle strength, reflexes, and joint motion.  Increased muscle contractions improve muscle strength, ton and endurance.  Muscular and neurological coordination is improved.  The effect on muscles is similar to that of other powered exercise devices, such as treadmills and bicycles- but in a condensed period of time.  

 Stretching

A lack of joint mobility has been directly linked to knee pain.   If you have difficulty bending your knees when you walk or run, you end up placing excess pressure on a small area around the kneecap. Regular tai chi or yoga sessions have been found to help increase range of motion.  Regular stretching is also very beneficial.  Stretching is enhanced when done on a whole body vibration platform.  The direct effect of whole body vibration stimulates blood flow to ligaments and tendons and enhances the stretch reflex.   

Whole Body Vibration has been shown to reduce the pain and disability associated with Osteoarthritis.  Exercise can reduce pain and disability by decreasing muscle inhibition and by improving local circulation.  Unfortunately, most osteoarthritis sufferers tend to not adhere to an exercise regimen due to the discomfort associated with working out.  The more difficult the exercise, the less likely they will do it.  Whole Body Vibration is particularly suited for these people because it exercises the postural system.  Whole body vibration is easy to use, the exercise sessions are short, and it’s safe.

Body Wrap:

Body wrapping is a proven technique for detoxification, inch loss, toning, and weight loss. Body wrapping draws out waste and excess toxins through the skin and therefore the benefits depend on good circulation in the skin. General guidelines for body wrapping require the client to remain active while wrapped in order to stimulate circulation. Whole body vibration has been shown to almost double blood circulation, especially in the upper layers of the skin, making it a perfect fit for a body wrap treatment. It does not require the large range of motion that would loosen the body wraps.

Improved fluid balance:

Although WBV does not burn major calories, it substantially improves fluid distribution and balance throughout the body. It is quite common to have immediate loss of weight which is very motivating.

Laser Lipo treatments:

Low power laser lipo is a body sculpting / weight loss technology that reduces fat by causing fat cells to release their contents into the surrounding tissue. The essential accompaniment to laser lipo treatment is stimulation of lymphatic circulation to help the body process the unwanted residue from the fat cells. Whole body vibration provides the perfect alternative to a manual lymphatic massage, and performs with consistency and precision so it is much more efficient than a manual massage.

Whole Body Vibration can supercharge every cell in your body with energy you never knew you had. Increased blood circulation sending oxygen throughout your body means healthier looking skin, less wrinkles, reduced swelling, and stronger joints.