Bodyblade uses vibration and the power of inertia to rapidly contract your muscles up to 270 times per minute, stimulate your nervous system, and transform your body.
Bodyblade will build your body from the center out to develop stability before mobility, providing you with a strong, well-balanced, and functional body.
It was first created by physical therapist Bruce Hymanson in 1991. He has worked with patients in physical therapy since 1977 and works specifically with people who have suffered trauma to their spine and extremities. The Bodyblade can provide fitness enhancement, improved wellness, and muscle definition.
In this article, we will go over the three different kinds of Bodyblades and the differences and similarities.
Looking at the Bodyblade Options:
Bodyblade Pro
The Pro was the original model made in 1991 and is capable of providing the highest overall resistance levels in your training.
It is best for people that already have a good fitness level and need some additional training.
It will automatically activate 610 muscles in the body to contract all at the right time. It has variable resistance and flex intensity.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Product Length: 60 in (152 cm)
- Product Weight: 2.5 lbs (1.13kg)
KIT INCLUDES:
- 1 – Bodyblade® Pro
- 1 – Super 6 / Power 10 DVD
- 1 – 30 Dynamic Exercises Wall Chart
Price:
- $159.00
- 1-year warranty
Includes: Bodyblade Pro (weight: 2.6 lbs Length: 5 feet.), blast: burn & sculpt DVD and exercise wall chart
Pros:
- Better workout than the classic version
- Exceeds expectations
- Great for rehab and injury
- Effective and fun
Cons:
- Not great for full-body workouts
BodyBlade Classic
This is the most popular used model and is the one most frequently bought. It provides you the greatest versatility and is good for beginners and professionals.
It has the greatest resistance range of all 3 models and can be used to increase training. It is best for people who are in between the CxT and the Pro.
It has variable resistance where you can drive the blade back and forth. It also has flex intensity.
The lighter you drive the blade will translate to smaller flex. The greater the flex, the increased resistance. It will also automatically adjust to the level of the user.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Product Length: 48 in (122 cm)
- Product Weight: 1.75 lbs (.80kg)
KIT INCLUDES:
- 1 – Bodyblade® Classic (Black)
- 1 – 30 Dynamic Exercises Wall Chart
- Access to Free online workouts and instructional content
Price:
- $99.00
- 1-year warranty
Includes: Bodyblade Classic, exercise wall chart, and a complete online exercise library including upper body, lower body, core, and total body workouts.
Pros:
- Great for elderly people
- Good for improving joint strength
- Excellent PT and rehab
- Works the core as well
Cons:
- Expensive
Bodyblade CXT
This is the smallest and lightest model of all three and is great for beginners.
It has variable resistance and flex intensity. It will automatically adjust to the level of the user.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Product Length: 40 in (102 cm)
- Product Weight: 1.5 lbs (0.68kg)
KIT INCLUDES:
- 1 – Bodyblade® CxT
- 1 – 30 Dynamic Exercises Wall Chart
- Access to Free online workouts and instructional content
Price:
- $69.00
- 1-year warranty
Includes: Bodyblade CxT, exercise wall chart, and a complete online exercise library including upper body, lower body, core, and total body workouts.
Pros:
- Great for rehab and rebuilding strength
- Effective at-home solution
- Lower resistance than other models
- Helps with core stability and balance
Cons:
- Some prefer the more resistant models
- Motion is too fast with light resistance
BodyBlade Classic Vs Pro
The classic bodyblade is 48 inches and weighs about 1.5 pounds. It is best for resistance workouts for both males and females.
The best heights are 5’2” to 6’0”.
The Bodyblade Pro is better suited for males taller than 6’0”.
It is 60 inches and weighs 2.5 pounds.
Both help to stabilize the shoulder joint and work smaller stabilizing muscles.
They are used by physical therapists and even created by a physical therapist named Bryce Hymanson. Both can be excellent for rehabilitation.
BodyBlade Alternatives
Alternatives to Bodyblade can be other effective tools for resistance training and helping with muscle injuries.
A popular item is the Black Mountain Resistance Bands.
They can produce up to 75 pounds of resistance. They are all 48 inches in length and can produce up to 75 pounds of resistance.
You can also try an exercise and shoulder bar that is great for rehabilitation purposes.
Make sure it is smooth and comfortable and is capable of at least producing 34 pounds of resistance.
Bodyblade Exercises
Bodyblade has many exercises to help you get into training and stabilize your muscles. Their most popular kind is the Super Six Method.
The following exercises are part of the program:
- Chest Press
- Back and Shoulder Reach
- Ab Crunch
- Tricep Push
- Bicep Tricep Trimmer
- Hip and Thigh Sculptor
You can do each of these exercises 6 times each for a total of 36 exercises.
There is also an exercise wall chart you can use to help you plan a program.
FAQS
Are body blades any good?
Although many people are skeptical, the Bodyblade seems to be very good and effective if users have realistic expectations.
Countless user reviews talk about its effectiveness in rehabilitation, physio, and exercise involving old injuries. There seems to be no question as to its effectiveness in these areas.
It is also very popular with the elderly and those who are very new to fitness.
Users can still see the results and benefits. Most complaints seem to arise from those who already have a strong fitness base.
For those that are used for strength training and fitness, it may not be the best tool for desired results. It is also an effective tool for injuries that need rehab.
Can body blade build muscle?
Although many people use it for rehab and rebuilding muscle in injured areas, multiple reviews do state that they have seen the size and muscle growth after use, primarily in the arms.
Many reviews also discuss its ability to target the core, however, these results are more apparent in those that are new to fitness or at novice levels.
They are also more prominent in the elderly.
What does a body blade do?
Bodyblade is a long, flexible, staff that users begin to move back and forth from the center.
This causes the ends of the blade to begin to bounce back and forth. The exercise comes from the motion to start the rhythm and from there controlling the bouncing of the blade.
Bodyblade’s website says: ‘The key to Bodyblade® is the rapid contraction technology (RCT) which automatically contracts your muscles up to 270 times a minute.
With over 600 functional muscles in your body, Bodyblade contracts the right muscles at precisely the right time for a fast, effective, and intelligent workout. The intensity with which you drive the blade back and forth (Flex Intensity) varies the level of resistance you receive.
The harder you drive the blade back and forth translates to greater flex of the blade and increased resistance. Conversely, the lighter you drive the blade back and forth translates to smaller flex in the blade and decreased resistance.’
Does the BodyBlade burn calories?
Bodyblade will help burn calories the same as any level of exertion will. There is no statement from the company as to exactly how many calories are burned during the process.
While any activity will burn calories the level of exertion will dictate the amount of calories burned. That being said, it is likely not a high amount when using the bodyblade.
While burning a slight amount of calories may be seen as an added benefit, if it is the primary goal of the user, the bodyblade is probably not the best choice of equipment. There are better alternatives.
Looking for results? Check the studies.
Electromyographic analysis of the shoulder complex musculature while performing exercises using the Bodyblade Classic and Bodyblade Pro
Focus of the study:
This study was done in 2016 with the primary purpose of investigating were to compare glenohumeral and scapular muscle activity between the Bodyblade® Pro (BB®P) and Bodyblade® Classic (BB®C) devices while performing a variety of exercises.
It also compared muscle activities between males and females
Focus Group:
Twenty young adults, 10 males, and 10 females.
They performed seven Bodyblade exercises using the Bodyblade Classic and Bodyblade Pro.
Results
- Numerous exercises and muscles glenohumeral and scapular EMG activity were significantly greater in females compared to males.
- It was also significantly greater in the BodyBlade Pro compared to the Bodyblade Classic.
- Overall glenohumeral and scapular muscle activity was significantly greater in Bodyblade exercise 3 and Bodyblade exercise 6 compared to the remaining exercises.
- It may be appropriate to employ Bodyblade 6 exercises during shoulder rehabilitation earlier for males compared to females. The Bodyblade Classic compared to the Bodyblade Pro gave less overall muscle activation in males. It was more in Bodyblade Classic compared to in females and Bodyblade Pro.
Effects on muscle activities according to the type of bodyblade exercise in a quadruped position
Focus of the Study:
The present study compared and examined the changes in muscle activities around the shoulders and trunk according to different bodyblade lifting methods during stabilization exercise in a quadrupled position.
Focus Group:
The study was done on 20 healthy males.
Results:
- The SA and IO, EO muscles showed significant differences in muscle health.
- The SA/UT activity ratio showed significant differences according to the type of exercise
- For the SA muscle, exercise types 4, 2 were more effective than types 1, 3
- For the IO muscle, types 1, 2 were more effective than types 3, 4
- Type 2 scapular stabilization exercise (crossed leg lifting with the hand raised above the head on a vertical plane) showed selective and positive effects on trunk muscle strengthening and stabilization
Scapular Stabilizer Activity during Bodyblade®, Cuff Weights, and Thera-Band® Use
Focus of the Study:
To assess scapular stabilizer activity using the Bodyblade® and other traditional training devices.
It measured repeated analysis of surface EMG data collected from the upper trapezius (UT), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA) during shoulder flexion and abduction using Bodyblade®, cuff weight, and Thera-Band® resistance.
Focus Group:
Thirty collegiate athletes (20.0 ± 1.7 years). They performed 10 repetitions of shoulder flexion and abduction.
Results:
- During shoulder flexion and abduction, the NrmsEMG of the UT, LT, and SA were significantly greater when using the Bodyblade® than the Thera-Band® or cuff weight
- The Bodyblade® produces greater scapular activity than traditional resistance techniques
Includes: Bodyblade Pro (weight: 2.6 lbs Length: 5 feet.), blast: burn & sculpt DVD and exercise wall chart