The Whole Body Vibration Machine: What Is It?
The whole body vibration machine was designed originally for athletes to enhance the effectiveness of their athletic sessions. Vibration machines could be used in a fitness center while performing physical activities such as press up and squatting. The machine typically oscillates in a horizontal plane at an extraordinary frequency.
The concept ensures that the vibration stimuli are transferred into muscular tissues, internal tissues, and tendons, which may help increase the contraction of the muscle fibers. The contraction of muscle fibers enhances muscle excitability, coordination, and stability aiding in overall fitness levels and general well-being.
Most recently whole body vibration machines have gained popularity due to it’s theorized health benefits. Most studies indicate that complete-body vibration might improve muscle strength. Improved muscle strength has various medical benefits including weight loss, decreased fall risk, improved performance, and an overall improvement in metabolic conditions such as diabetes.
The whole-body vibration may also have a function beyond sports and health. Studies indicated that complete body vibration can be executed successfully and safely at home. For elderly adults looking to improve performance, overall health, and potentially help increase bone mineral density. In elderly adults with osteoporosis, whole-body vibration increases the level of growth hormone and testosterone in serum aiding in osteoporosis (1).
Health Benefits of Using a Whole Body Vibration Machine
The whole body vibration machine has been researched as an alternative way to exercise in people that have a difficult time walking, sitting, or who is trying to improve their peak athletic performance.
The optimal patient that may benefit would include those:
- Who have suffered cerebrovascular ailments such as stroke;
- Patients with Osteoarthritis whereby mobility is restrained;
- Patients with continual obstructive pulmonary ailments who cannot partake in physical activity;
- Patients with type two diabetes and postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who have some constrained motivation to be involved in any strenuous activity.
Research has recently found benefits in patients with bone development and the ability to transfer from a sitting position to a standing position. The effects, in the long run, reduce the threat of falling and suffering a fracture which improves the patient’s ability to be involved in more physical activities.
For those that are trying to lose weight but just can’t seem to get started, this machine may be perfect. It allows for stationary exercise and gives the body sensory feedback through the vibration. This indicates that body vibration might also have a function in starting an exercise program in those with obesity or with chronic low back pain.
What to Look For When Purchasing a Whole Body Vibration Machine?
For a person who is unsure about buying a whole-body vibration machine, you want to make sure that the new investment will meet your needs and preferences. With this in mind, the following points are highlighted to guide you when purchasing a whole-body vibration machine.
The Size and Power of the Whole Body Vibration Machine
Without any doubt, you should be concerned about the size of your whole body vibration machine as well as its power. An ideal vibration machine should be light to move around but without compromising power. The size of the platform will determine the body positions that you can assume when using the machine. You should understand that the bigger the platform, the more the size and height of amplitude. The motor size is a determinant of the performance and durability of the machine.
The Cost-effectiveness of the Whole Body Vibration Machine
Sometimes price doesn’t increase with quality. Hence, you should be conscious of the price when buying your whole body vibration machine. You want to make sure that you get all the right bells and whistles without spending an arm and a leg.
The Safety Features of the Whole Body Vibration Machine
An ideal vibration machine should have a non-slip platform surface and ergonomic support bars. The non-slip surface helps prevent a serious fall and the support bars help with upper extremity support. Some machines have a safety cord that can be attached to the body to shut it off if one were to fall. Also, the distance from the floor is considered as the higher off the ground the higher the fall one would have.
Warranty and Guarantee
If you have read any of our reviews before you know that we absolutely love warranties. We also love money-back guarantees. If the machines break or simply isn’t for you, then we want to make sure that you can get your money back. We hate to spend money simply to spend it if it isn’t going to work
The bottom line is, is it important to wisely choose a whole-body vibration. It should be powerful enough to make your exercise sessions worth it, endowed with safety features, and at a good price with a good price.
FAQ for Whole-Body Vibration
Are Whole-Body Vibration Machines Safe?
Absolutely! Whole-body vibrations machines are completely safe to use. If you have a unique medical diagnosis please consult your physician first or anyone that has a history of a sudden loss of consciousness. Otherwise, a whole-body vibration machine is a great way to increase any workout.
Does Whole Body Vibration Burn Calories?
Whole-body vibration does burn calories if you are standing and using it. It is estimated to burn between 20o-500 calories per hour. However, to burn more calories, we suggest performing a dynamic workout WHILE using the WBV platform. You can do squats, lunges, calf raises, and other exercises to help maximize benefit.
How Long Should you Use Whole Body Vibration?
It doesn’t take long to get the initial benefits of using whole-body vibration. Using it for 15 minutes just 3x a week is the minimum amount recommended. You can always use it more to get more benefits. There is no such thing as using it too much as far as we have seen in the research.
The Best Whole Body Vibration Machines Review
3G Cardio AVT 6.0 Vibration Machine
The AVT 6.0 Vibration Machine is the top-rated Vibration from one of the best companies making fitness products. 3G claims that there is no other machine like it when comparing the power, size, and performance. Once you try it, you won’t be able to use another vibration machine. The Cadillac of the vibration machine world. The people at 3G have thought of everything as even the position of the handles feels more comfortable. It also has an oversized vibration platform that allows lying down or standing. Finally, it comes with 24 built in programs and a good warranty should anything go wrong.
Pros:
- Size of platform, it’s huge
- The high quality of machine
- Best Position and size of the handles
- The large amount and quality of programs that come with it
Cons:
- Cost. It’s pricey but one of the best in the business
Confidence Fitness Slim Full Body Vibration
The Confidence Fitness vibration machine is the best selling machine on amazon at the date of this publication. It’s easy to use with low impact exercises due to the great platform setup. The console is user friendly for those that don’t like complex control panels or too many buttons. This machine is easy to use and a great option for someone looking to get a quality unit at a lower price. If you want a no frills just do your job vibration machine at a reasonable cost, this is it.
Pros:
- Great quality for the price, everyone loves it. Check the reviews
- Easy to use. Like really easy
- Provides some of the highest frequency vibration
Cons:
- Not as large of a platform as say the 3G
- Does have less bells and whistles as compared to high end models
Merax Crazy Fit Vibration Platform
The Merax Crazy Fit Vibration Platform Fitness Machine 2000W is one of the best options if you are looking for a lightweight machine but still looking for a lot of power in the platform. It has raving reviews on both Amazon and Walmart websites. Comes with 160 speed options, cool feature of resistance bands to use for whole body workouts, and speakers to play the music via blutooth.
Pros:
- Comes in at a great price point with good quality
- Lightweight making it easy to move around
- Easy to use control panel
- Included resistance straps
Cons:
- Smaller platform
- The handles can get in the way at times
- Speakers aren’t the best but most people have other speaker options in the home
Pulser 2 Whole Body Vibration Machine
The PULSER 2 is another high-end model for those that are looking for the best in the business. The Pulser has an overly large platform to allow for a variety of exercises which the company claims are 58% greater in size than the average one. It’s also very sturdy and durable with reinforced steel construction. The other great features include 3 vibration motions and a really strong motor at 3.0 HP and 1100 watts. One of our favorite options and one of the best options on the market period.
Pros:
- Great size of platform
- Huge power for a motor
- Different vibration modes and directions
- Solid overall great machine
Cons:
- Price
- The handles are smaller for elderly patients who are a fall risk
Power Plate My3 Vibration Trainer
The Powerplate My3 is another great high-end model vibration platform. The Power Plate has a set frequency of 35 Hz, a 30– or 60–second timer, and comes with a remote control making it easy to use in different positions. The My3 design is great for large movement exercises. The simplistic yet efficient control panel makes it easy to use for everyone. The device is perfect for use in apartments, offices, or in any tight space.
Pros:
- Great size of platform
- Huge power for a motor
- Different vibration modes and directions
- A high end model at a lower price
Cons:
- Price still a little higher
- The handles are smaller for elderly patients who are a fall risk
Hurtle Fitness Vibration Platform Workout Machine
The Hurtle Fitness vibration machine is a great low-cost option for the weekend warrior. It’s easily moved and lightweight as compared to the other models. You can store it in the closet one day and pull it into the workout room the next day. There are no handles to hold on to so would be best for those people that are not at a risk for falling. It also comes with additional handles and remote control.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Moveable within the house and can store when not using
- Comes with resistance bands and a remote
- Cost, comes at a really good price point
Cons:
- Not as sturdy of a platform
- No handles to hold on to
- Makes some claims that aren’t supported by independent research about being as effective as other exercise equivalents
Works Cited
- Cardinale M, Pope MH. The effects of whole body vibration on humans: dangerous or advantageous? Acta Physiol Hung. 2003;90:195–206. [PubMed]
- Deszczyński J, Bronikowski A, Nagraba Ł, et al. Innovative, Comprehensive, Active, Osteoporosis Rehabilitation a new strategy of treatment and prophylaxis. Arthroscopy and joint surgery. 2010; 6: 29-35.
- Flieger J, Karachalios T, Khaldi L, et al. Mechanical stimulation in the form of vibration prevents postmenopausal bone loss in ovariectomized rats. Calcif Tissue Int. 1998;63:510–514. [PubMed]
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is for educational purposes only. This is not a substitute for a medical appointment. Please refer to your physician before starting any exercise program.
