Just a bit of history Jackie...

 

I opened the worlds first Power Plate studio. So I was once their biggest supporter. And actually had more faith in the concept than the Dutch owners who refused to open one up themselves.

 

 

The consumer test group voted which types of programs and machinery they wanted to use. And over a period of time which was the most effective.

 

We had 4 types of Lineal machines. 3 steel and one plastic. And it ended up we could not give away free sessions on the plastic unit. So what has happened is no surprise to those of us who were there at the beginning. .

 

Note: I still own those first 3 steel models. They still work well. The plastic one is long gone to the rubbish tip. 

 

 

The simple fact is, business people who do no research into a product or services history, ( past a glossy brochure or website ). Are in my opinion doomed.  But they are usually people only in this for a fast buck anyway.

 

You think I am just being negative. Then find all the past PP owners and find out if they still use the machinery themselves. You will find their commitment to vibration training was all fake.           

Jackie Lee

 

But on a different note. If it is working for you. Then keep going. But I fear one day the studio will simply not be there for you.   

Only one problem with your opinion on the subject.

 

Every single studio that has trusted Power Plates training methods and machines has closed up. Ask the "trainers" what happened to all the other studios they worked at ? See what BS response you get.  

 

I have had it all asked of me before. Why don't you have individual rooms, why don't you have different or longer  programs with more choices  etc...

 

My answer to ALL those people. If that is really what the consumer wanted. Then why the massive failure on every level of the business / industry ?  Why did you local studio offering those services close up ? 

 

 

 

Look, at the end of the day, the consumer will vote with their wallets. And all our opinions will fade to irrelevance.

 

 

 

Regarding your comment.......  " Power Plate has learned and the machines are better no then in 2008. "

 

No according to Power Plates official stance. They claimed in legal documents in 2010 no issues hand EVER been recorded with the quality. And they instead blamed the consumer for subsequent damage. No recall ever given, no refunds given over false or misleading claims. So nothing has been learnt.

 

 

Why we worry about them ? 

 

http://www.vibration-training-advice.com/consumer-guide-and-safety-program/articles-51---60/the-power-plate-scam-part-1

 

http://www.vibration-training-advice.com/consumer-guide-and-safety-program/articles-71---80/the-power-plate-scammers-part-2

 

http://www.vibration-training-advice.com/the-industry-the-theory-and-trainers-tips/articles-11---20-2/fake-specs-the-true-timeline-of-discovery

 

 

The fact is in all my time in the industry ( and as Power Plates Product manager ) I have yet to meet an honest, straight talking Power Plate rep or trainer.

 

That is the repuation and "badwill" people buy in to when going anywhere near that brand. Sad but true.

When I released this article. Power Plate tried to insinuate online I was making the damage up.....

 

 http://web.archive.org/web/20081010134447/http://www.vibrationtraining.net/2008/05/beware-the-wear-and-tear

 

Just like they accused me of tampering with the equipment  that failed engineering tests.

 

 

Identical damage on the auction below on another machine. Both sold as "Commercial Quality"  units.

 

What are they going to say now. I broke into someone's house and wrecked the machine  ?

A $20,000 Power Plate . Not even used in a commercial setting.

 

Completely destroyed

 

http://www.trademe.co.nz/sports/exercise-equipment-weights/exercise-machines/vibration-machines/auction-531290941.htm

 

Now going for $50......  

 

If you purchased a $20,000 car. Would you expect it to last longer ? 

What happened to the below site ?

 

It was sold out from under the community by James Foster and Ted Kallmyer  They used the excuse like we were reporting warranty issues and it was annoying advertisers ( not joking folks )  They took 3 years of this communities work and sold it to someone else for an undisclosed sum. During the sale process they also changed the names of contributors ( plagiarism ) to make it look like they wrote all the material.

 

These are James Fosters own words and "reasons"  and proposal for setting up the site in the first place .......

 

 

 

"Benefits:
You will get a chance to continue on educating people (as you have done on
diet-blog.com)......, 

For me, at some stage down the track any potential advertising revenues may
begin to offset the costs of development and ongoing hosting of the site -  
and that will be the benefit that I get out of it. I also like to see truth
and factual information in these (fitness/wellness) industries. There's so
much market-speak around that there is precious little sources of accurate
information. "

Please note" I personally contacted companies and arranged 6 advertising spaces to be paid for on the site. In return I only asked for James Foster to keep his word regarding a hands off approach to our fight to keep the industry clean and the consumer fully informed of all industry issues. 

 

It is now exactly what all the other sites on this subject are.......     

 

 

 Auckland Business Uni students observations of other sites compared to ours...... " I saw some consumer oriented blogs, but mostly around one brand, made by marketers "

 

 

In the end in 2009 over 3000 comments were wiped.  The site is now run by the same marketers and salespeople that James and Ted were communicating with behind our backs. And I will NEVER trust people like them again. 

 

So sorry folks. You will have to put up with me owning this site forever.    

Just answering a question posed to me via email regarding the ethics of me owning this site. But apparently being "unbiased"  ( I think this might be in relation to our recent Power Plate comments )

 

 

We did have another site once that was deliberately not owned by anyone in the industry. 

 

 

These are the direct comments by an Auckland Business Uni student doing a paper on our work......

 

 

  

Bit disappointed in VibroGym's "new" machine....  http://www.vibrogym.com/professional2

 

Its a basic copy of the 1999 model. But apparently weaker.

 

No wonder Vibration Training is not being taken seriously in Europe when one of the top companies stalled in R & D years ago ( and apparently are not even going to try ). Come on guys, I know the original was just a nicer looking copy of Dr Bosco's design, but surely you have gained some ideas of your own by now.  It makes me wonder if they even do Vibration Training themselves. I mean how can you not progress at all in 10 years.  

 

No other industry gets to sit on its laurels and expects to be called a leader. 

 

Likes....  I like the fact they have gotten rid of the LCD screen. And gone back to simple buttons which have been proven to be far more reliable in the field.  

 

 

 Dislikes.......  It stops working completely at 140kg. So who knows at what load it drops specs and becomes ineffective for the average user. How is Europe meant to fight obesity with that ?          

A great example of how Power Plate managed to scam people for so long.

 

This is a site that supposedly offers unbiased news on companies in trouble. As you can see a few concerned comments were put up after the release.

 

http://www.oxygen-consulting.co.uk/2012/10/power-plate-international-collapses-into-administration.html#comment-1214

 

My comments about Power Plates last collapse / restructuring and hanging everyone out to dry, ( along with the evidence from Companies Office ) was never put up by admin.  So the readers who are already asking some serious questions, would have no way of knowing this is a repeat performance.

 

 

1. Lloyd Shaw says:

   Your comment is awaiting moderation.
   

   October 26, 2012 at 10:54 pm

   Putting up the posts you deleted on my website. With a note as to my opinion why you deleted them.

   Considering they were all factual statements. I backed up with evidence ( public records stuff )

   I wish to show the public exactly how Power Plate managed to scam people for so long.

   Plenty of people out there willing to help them.

   Reply
2. Lloyd Shaw says:

   October 20, 2012 at 11:52 am

   So you are going to try and protect them.

   Hope it is worth it mate.

   ‘ all it takes for a bad company to succeed is for an individual to keep quite”

   Reply
   • Ray Algar says:

     October 20, 2012 at 12:21 pm

     Hi Lloyd

     It was unclear to me that the company closures you mentioned in New Zealand were connected to Power Plate International Ltd so I could not publish them. One clear example normally works.

     Reply
     • Lloyd Shaw says:

       October 20, 2012 at 10:12 pm

       Sorry

       All studios and distributors and websites were under the direct control of PP Int. Or they were not allowed to use the Power Plate Trademark.

       PPI signed off on every detail, action and written word. Which is why I hold them directly responsible for bringing my industry into disrepute.. That’s the thing about being control freaks, if it goes pear shaped. There is no-one else blame.

       After the last major collapse Mark Minter , actual President of Power Plate International, Was sent to start over again and take me on.

       POWER PLATE TRADING LIMITED (1963448) …… Companies office allows for an easy search http://www.business.govt.nz/companies

       Go to documents and see the first shareholders consent form at the bottom…..

       Mark Minter signed it, along with the London address of 9a Utopia Village Power Plate Int. worked out of..

       http://directory.thesun.co.uk/11620076

       N.Z. POWER PLATE TRADING LTD, AUCKLAND ( head office ) , 7 AKAROA ST . ( now closed . look in Google maps street view and see the for lease sign in window ) They now operate out of a garage in an Auckland suburb. Why they still try to sell the odd machine )

       Everything I say is on the level. No BS or exaggeration needed.

       Reply
       • Lloyd Shaw says:

         Your comment is awaiting moderation.
         

         October 20, 2012 at 11:02 pm

         Another clear link that is easy to check up on.

         Erica Minter is Mark Minters sister. You can see her here defending Power Plate and its sole right to us the TradeMark. http://forums.coreperformance.com/showthread.php?p=6771

         Power Plate Int. have always kept a very tight leash on their TradeMark. So all failures under their name has a direct link.,

         Reply
3. Lloyd Shaw says:

   Your comment is awaiting moderation.
   

   October 19, 2012 at 3:15 am

   This comment pretty much sums up Power Plate. And why they must be leveled from our industry ….

   “financial interests in this case are apparently so large that no means will be left untried and that even the most basic standards of decency may be violated,”

   Quote from …… http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/03/07/idUS22704+07-Mar-2008+BW20080307

   The husband had a heart attack in 2009. I have no idea what happened to them after that.

   Reply
4. Lloyd Shaw says:

   Your comment is awaiting moderation.
   

   October 18, 2012 at 9:48 am

   It will be my mission to make sure any future buyer fully understands the ” Badwill ” that comes with that brand. And for them to understand exactly how committed I am to full disclosure to the consumer, of all Power Plates unethical actions.

   http://www.vibration-training-advice.com/consumer-guide-and-safety-program/articles-51—60/the-power-plate-scam-part-1It

   http://www.vibration-training-advice.com/consumer-guide-and-safety-program/articles-71—80/the-power-plate-scammers-part-2

   Old article of them doing similar stuff to other people……

   http://www.ameinfo.com/121122.html

   How they got out of the legal action. Simply closed up in Holland and set up under another similar company name in the UK and US.

   Power Plates factory contacted me in 2010 to see if I could give them any leverage, because Power Plate would not pay its bills. The factory could not get paid for the machines they had built but Power Plate had sold at a premium price.

   Here is the email I received from the factory…… ( my conversation with them at the time confirmed the outstanding bill was over 1 million US ) .

   Dear Mr. Shaw,

   Greetings

   My name is Rashmi Chaudhary and I am responsible for Business Development for fitness vertical at Hero Motors. I am the key account manager for Powerplate business and as you rightly assessed we are facing payment issues with Powerplate since last October.

   I would like to seek a suitable time to talk to you and get your inputs on the matter. I am based out of India and can call you at any time of your convenience. Pls advise

   Best Regards

   Rashmi Chaudhary
   Asst General Manager
   Corporate BD & Projects
   Hero Motors Limited
   +91-9810966225

   Reply
5. Lloyd Shaw says:

   Your comment is awaiting moderation.
   

   October 18, 2012 at 8:58 am

   Only one problem with this statement….

   “Areas of discretionary spend, such as the health and leisure industry have been hit particularly hard in the current depressed environment. As a consequence, there has been a negative impact on the Companies’ ability to generate sales revenue”.

   The first commercial locations were set up in N.Z. I actually was in charge of setting up the worlds first studio, as part of a pilot program for Power Plate. Our country also went through the recession. But the industry over here not only survived but has really taken off. With multiple brands doing well.

   But every single original Power Plate location closed up ?

   All STUCK OFF by NZ Companies Office.

   POWER PLATE CAMBRIDGE LIMITED (1867472)

   POWER PLATE HASTINGS LIMITED (1911530)

   POWER PLATE NAPIER LIMITED (1911525)

   POWER PLATE TARADALE LIMITED (1911526)

   POWER PLATE TASMAN LIMITED (1794498)

   POWER PLATE TAUPO LIMITED (1800768)

   POWER PLATE AUCKLAND LIMITED (1630004)

   POWER PLATE CENTRE GISBORNE LIMITED

   POWER PLATE HAVELOCK NORTH LIMITED (1911528)

   POLIMP LIMITED (921003)

   POWER PLATE CENTRE (NELSON) LIMITED (1797495)

   POWER-PLATE (B.O.P) LIMITED (1732488)

   POWER-PLATE (MT MAUNGANUI) LIMITED (1732491)

   Note: Just as many independent locations carrying Power Plate equipment have also been Struck Off . While other systems have recorded their best year yet.

   This pattern, as predicted, is happening globally.

   This should raise some serious questions to anyone involved in the business of Vibration Training.

   Note: They always seem to find some sucker to buy in and “relaunch” . But that well was always going to run dry.

   There are only so many idiots with a million dollars.

   Reply
6. Ray Algar says:

   October 18, 2012 at 7:57 am

   I have received a press release from Duff & Phelps Ltd, Administrators to Power Plate International Ltd. Here is an excerpt:

   Paul Clark, partner at Duff & Phelps, stated: “The Joint Administrators are trading the Company in Administration in the short term with a view to finding a purchaser for the businesses as a going concern. Already we have had a number of interested parties come forward and are confident of securing a sale in the foreseeable future. Trade will continue as normal while we explore all possible options.

   “Areas of discretionary spend, such as the health and leisure industry have been hit particularly hard in the current depressed environment. As a consequence, there has been a negative impact on the Companies’ ability to generate sales revenue.

   “The board had been pursuing refinancing opportunities however these were not successful but we hope that the business can now be restructured via the Administration process, in conjunction with a similar restructuring in the US sister company.”

   Reply
7. Lloyd Shaw says:

   October 18, 2012 at 7:18 am

   Hello I am Lloyd Shaw. Ex Product Manager of Power Plate.

   Quite simply never believe anything Power Plate reps tell you. They are VERY dishonest and after I left in disgust in 2003 I have personally spent considerable time and money trying to warn the consumer.

   I liquidated them personally in N.Z. in 2007.

   Please understand, these people do not represent the real Vibration Training industry. They are simply marketers out to make a quick buck. At ANY cost. No lie is big enough or low enough.

   Fake engineering reports

   Fake Doctors recommendations

   Machines with fake specs sold to the disabled

   Made in China markings erased to jack up price

   Fake franchises sold. Entire families losing everything.

   Research papers doctored.

   The list is very, very long……. And a lot of it is illegal activity. Not just unethical.

   Lloyd Shaw

   Ask me anything. I will answer with absolute honesty.

   Reply
   • Ray Algar says:

     October 18, 2012 at 8:02 am

     Hi Lloyd

     You make many claims so some evidence would help.

     Reply
     • Lloyd Shaw says:

       Your comment is awaiting moderation.
       

       October 19, 2012 at 2:48 am

       Some evidence here about fake specs and engineering tests…

       http://www.vibration-training-advice.com/the-industry-the-theory-and-trainers-tips/articles-11—20-2/fake-specs-the-true-timeline-of-discovery

       This was after Power Plate spent considerable effort in scare mongering about other companies products being dangerous. Even going so far as to say incorrect Fqs or amplitudes could blind you.

       Reply
       • Lloyd Shaw says:

         October 19, 2012 at 3:42 am

         If you email me. I can send you all the evidence you want.

         And the official response from Power Plate claiming all other parties globally are lying. Even researchers and engineers..

         lloyd@vibra-train.com

         Reply
8. Natalie Prescott says:

   October 11, 2012 at 4:41 pm

   Hi Keith please feel free to contact me with your concern about your existing warranty -natalie.prescott@powerplate.com

   Reply
   • Keith Birch says:

     October 12, 2012 at 11:56 am

     Thank you Natalie, I will email you later listing the concerns of our company, to be honest, we are actually quite angry.
     Keith

     Reply
     • Natalie Prescott says:

       October 15, 2012 at 5:26 pm

       I look forward to hearing from you alternatively please feel free to call me on 07824491160

       Reply
9. Ray Algar says:

   October 10, 2012 at 10:39 am

   Keith

   The Administrators should be able to provide more clarify regarding ongoing warranty support. Here are contact details:

   Joint Administrators’ Names and Address: Paul John Clark and Philip Francis Duffy, Duff & Phelps Ltd, 43-45 Portman Square, London, W1H 6LY. Contact: Paul John Clark and Philip Francis Duffy, Tel: 020 7487 7240. Alternative contact: Alex Lower, Email: Alex.Lower@duffandphelps.com Tel: 020 7487 7240.

   Reply
   • Keith Birch says:

     October 12, 2012 at 11:57 am

     Thanks Ray, I will see what they say, I trust they have insurance to cover these eventualities.
     Kind Regards
     Keith

     Reply
10. Keith Birch says:

    October 10, 2012 at 10:26 am

    I also got the answer, “Business as usual” they seem to be sweeping this under the carpet…, lost all confidence in this stance, I certainly won’t be buying anymore for my clinics until I know they are above water. Tried finding out about my existing warranties but came up short on that too.
    Keith

    Reply

When I contacted the actual studio. They hung up on me.

 

When I contacted Power Plate Int. directly about my concerns over this type of behavior . Asking if they were so desperate for sales they will risk someone's health. .

 

This is the official response I received....

 

 

" Are we so desperate for sales?  Or did a customer chose not to provide information on their contra-indication?  Or have you another bone to pick? "

 

 

This is what I have learnt about Power Plate over the years. If she had died. Power Plate would have hired an army of lawyers to make sure she was to blame.   

Greed over wellbeing in action.

 

Watch video ( go to 2min 25sec )  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88WaZr1k1gg&feature=plcp

 

Watch Power Plate put an anorexic person very close to death on a machine. When her Doctor has already banned all exercise due to possible cardiac arrest.

 

Yes. The Power Plate instructor was fully aware of the situation. And this was done in a "Authorized Power Plate Training Center"  (. Not some random gym. ) 

 

We managed to close this center down. But the "greed over wellbeing" mentality goes wherever Power Plate goes.

Combination of compound exercise poses. As per the safety programs. ( muscle taken to complete fatigue )

 

And direct massage after workout.

- I am an athlete who came to 'try-out' Vibra Train as reccommended by my coach at the time - Angela Mckee.
 
- Lloyd has taken me under his wing and provided me with free access to train anytime at his studio in the CBD.
 
- He has also given me countless hours trying to educate me on any questions I've had.
 
- I've been able to bring in any one of my friends and they've received student discounts. Also he's let me bring in a training buddy to train with me for free.
 
- Not only just athletes, but also any disabled or obese people are also given a 'free-pass' to come in and use his machines to help make a benefit to their lives. THIS IS NOT A MARKETING TECHNIQUE. He could easily be charging these customers as well as myself, as we will demand this form of assistance to our daily lives.
 
- As I understand it, the mission of "Vibra-Train" is quite clear. It was built to help fight obesity as its sole objective. The machines have been designed that minimal 'thinking' effort is needed, as well as no natural athletic ability required.. Evidenced through the very simple "Safety Program".
 
- Lloyd also has machines working out in South Auckland to help fight obesity in this area.
 
From such a relatively small business, the focus and amount of effort spent on Philanthropy as well as conducting his entire enterprise with the highest ethical values I've encountered (as evidenced through his online uncensored website discussion forum) I am truly impressed and inspired by Lloyds efforts.
 
- Resultantly, from the machines proved usefulness, many other users have now incorporated this training into their lives.
 
- It has helped me astronomically. My body has become incredibly balanced, my injury problems have largely disappeared, my strength has improved and many more things that have assisted my daily life. Ultimately to say that Lloyd and his machines have helped me, would be an understatement.
 
For anyone to disrespect Lloyd and his mission does not makes sense to me. He is driven by something that isn't money - his passion. From my personal interactions with him over the last two years, I have seen this first hand by the sacrifices he makes in his own life to devote himself to this.

Bob.....  Yes plenty of experience with hip replacements.

 

 Once they are allowed to walk. The seated Therapy pose is recommended.

 

 Then when starting squats, load bearing side handle-bars are required. As per the poster in this article...

 

http://www.vibration-training-advice.com/the-industry-the-theory-and-trainers-tips/articles-21---30-2/industry-failing-the-obese-disabled-and-health-professionals

 

 

Jon....   Regarding Power Plate. Read this last weeks comments.

Past comments from Angela McKee  ( that was taken off a forum now owned and censored by marketers.

 

 

 2007

 

Masters Female Athlete of the Year - Angela McKee
Angela is ranked number one equal in the world for her age group (F35) over the high jump. She won the New Zealand Masters Jumper of the year award. At the Melbourne Commonwealth Games she won the bronze medal in the high jump

 

What is Vibra-Train for...?

 

     
I  have read the article on Sprinting "No marked improvement for
sprinters"  I found it interesting and I'm not knocking it as it seems a
very constructive report based on correct method of testing, however -
it's like any testing - what were the parameters used?

This test used very good sprinters - my question is - at the top of your
game what should you expect to see gained in 5 weeks?

Secondly what machines were used for the test? I have used Vibro-gyms,
Power plates and the Vibra-train machines and they are like comparing 2
litre, 3 litre and 8 litre engines so I'm not surprised by these results
The Vibra-Train units have been developed at a different level. Plus
what were the exercises used during the training.

I am always looking for ways to naturally increase strength and my event
is jumping so I have found the Vibra-Train machines fantastic. Please
note that I also sprint now but did little before vibration training as
I didn't feel I was fast enough.

When you have jumped as high as your expectations and normal training
have let you, you seek alternative safe and natural methods for the
smallest and hardest gains which take you to new personal bests at the
top end.  After four years of 1-2 cm increments I had a 4cm gain in my
first year and a further 2cm gain before bruising a heel in competition.


Had I been able to continue at the same rate I'm sure I would have had a
4 cm increment for 2006.

I am running faster and bounding further. One of the main reasons for
this is that my coach and Lloyd sat down and we learnt about vibration
training and Lloyd learnt about the high jump technique.  Lloyd also
came down and watched me jump and was able to design a programme with
exercises unlike exercises one would normally do in commercial
environment.

In fact I am sure with the other machines would not have received the
gains that I have so far, in fact if I am away and have to use another
machine I feel like I'm driving a Mini maybe I have just been spoiled
too much? 

I have two junior athletes training with me who have never lifted
weights and have increased their 100m time by 1 second and a 10cm
increase in the high jump. Yes they are young but the vibration training
is the only power work they have done. It's safe if it's supervised and
the young athletes have had no injuries, in fact it's the balance and
stride length gains which seem to be the most beneficial right now.

You must remember that we have been on a longer programme then 5 weeks
and our exercises are developing as we gain more strength. It's too easy
to take a small sample test result and draw conclusions from this. You
can design any test to get any answer you want. The real test is in
continued use and the end performance. This shouldn't stop you further
investigating vibration training for sprinting gains. But before you go
too far down the track talk to Lloyd and make sure you have the right
information and machines for the results you require.  

I know the test was for sprinters and I am a jumper but from what I have
seen from my young athlete's leaves me in no doubt that vibration
training does offer benefits and I would love the same test done again
in conjunction with Lloyd's machines and his exercises. Food for
thought!

Angela McKee
New Zealand Representative Athlete

 

 

New Zealand’s number one high jumper, Angela McKee is a strong believer in the benefits of Vibra-Train. The Bronze medalist and mother of two, says as soon as she started using the sports vibration training machine she noticed a huge gain in her strength.

 

Jumping 1.83 metres to place third at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Angela says combining the core Vibra-Train exercises with her regular training schedule has definitely improved her overall performance. “You feel really alive when you get on the machine. It is so beneficial in so many ways. It really works for everybody, from people just walking around the block to professional athletes, it’s great.”