Vibe Class Opens in SOBE, South of 5th

Brazil’s popular Vibe Class is now calling South Beach home. This completely new style of workout consists of dynamic, high-intensity exercises featuring the world’s only computerized vibrating platforms. Vibe Class consists of 10 vibrating stations with a different movement at each one. You repeat the cycle of movements three times, each time progressing the movement for higher intensity, depending on your level of fitness. The best part? You get a killer workout in just 30 minutes.Ideal for the person on the go, Vibe offers you the option to drop in any day, any time, and just get your workout in on your own schedule. In addition to the personal trainer on staff, each platform is run by “Gina,” the Virtual Trainer, who will lead through each movement by demonstrating on the screen above. Your vitals and heart rate will also be monitored through a heart rate monitor provided by Vibe.

“The vibrating plate concept started with astronauts. Their muscles would atrophy from lack of gravity,” says Lanelle Phillips, who handles marketing and sales for Vibe. “The vibration allowed them to regain strength at an accelerated rate. The same concept applies with our workouts- this way we are able to make it challenging in only 30 minutes.”Vibration techniques gained popularity with the introduction of the Power Plate, and also evolved in the pro athlete realm, with many using it for flexibility, posterior alignment and injury repair to joints. The tension from the vibration makes conventional exercises harder, thus speeding up the process and allowing you to achieve more in less time. And ladies, listen up: it’s said to release toxins, burn fat and help with cellulite control.I had the pleasure of getting a sneak peek into the workout with one of the trainers, Paola Garcia, in the weeks before Vibe opened. I was skeptical in thinking I would get an effective workout in 30 minutes. Personally, I train six days a week for an hour or more. But I was wrong.

I worked through each station. Weighted lunges, squats and even the most basic of exercises require extra effort, balance and core strength when combined with the vibration plate. I was pleasantly surprised by the end of the first round. Paola quickly progressed my movements for round 2 to challenge me even more. At round 3, my legs were begging me to stop! By the end, I was just as sweaty and winded as I would have been after an hour in the gym.Vibe also offers cardio equipment like self-propelled treadmills and bikes, and even a boxing station. Doors opened south of 5th on August 1. Membership is $199 per month, but the first 30 people to sign up will lock in a rate of $99. There’s also a mid-day madness special: if you can work out between the hours of 12 and 3 pm, you can get a membership for $109. For more information, visit www.vibeclass.com.