Vibration Exercise Equipment – Is It a Scam?
One of the newer products on the market is vibration exercise equipment. Claiming to help do everything from toning muscles to improving strength and bone density, some people are turning to this controversial equipment to reach their workout goals.
The theory behind vibration exercise equipment was actually generated for the Russian space program. With zero gravity, there is no resistance to work your muscles, and with prolonged stay in space can lead to muscle deterioration and even loss in bone density. To fight this, the Russians came up with vibration exercise.
The theory is simple. The person using the equipment merely gets onto a platform. They can stand, sit, lay down, or even focus the platform on certain body parts. This platform creates a vibration, which is sent through the body. In reflex the muscles contract. This causes tendons to stretch, and increases blood flow and improving blood oxygenation. This strengthens and tones them without effort on the person’s part. Since the vibrations get sent through the entire body, all the muscle groups are affected. Ultimately, the makers of the equipment claim that it will help increase range of motion, coordination, posture, bone density, and even decreases cortisol, the stress hormone. It is said to be relaxing, which lowers stress and can even eliminate tension related pain. They also claim that anyone can use the equipment – whether they are young or old, skinny or overweight, a seasoned athlete or beginning exerciser.
The efficacy of the equipment seems to be proven in the space program itself. With using the equipment, the Russian space team was able to spend a record of 420 days in space. In comparison, the Americans, who trained with traditional workout equipment, have only stayed 120 days because their bones and muscles started to give out.
Research now is turning to study the use of vibration exercise in medicine and rehabilitation programs. It is being used to help accident victims and coma patients regain use of their muscles with some success.
The makers of vibration equipment claim that the equipment stands up to the highest possible safety standards. The machine itself seems to be user-friendly – they take up little space and do not require much maintenance. They are reputed to be so easy to use that you do not even need to change your clothes. However, if your goal is to lose weight, you may wonder whether or not the equipment will work with you.
One thing to keep in mind is that astronauts, and the sports teams endorsing vibration exercise equipment, are already in a pretty healthy state. They watch what they are eating and are active. It is kind of hard to binge on potato chips and ice cream when you are thousands of miles away from the closest convenience store. To get the most out of any workout, including that with vibration equipment, to get the best results you will want to make lifestyle changes as well. This includes everything from eating a healthy diet to taking vitamins, to spending fewer hours in front of the TV. Before starting any new exercise program, you should always speak with your doctor. This is especially true if you have experienced illness or injury, or if you are elderly or severely overweight.
There are some specific instances where vibration technology should not be considered an option. These include, but are not limited to, pregnancy, advanced heart disease, if you have a pacemaker, if you have just had surgery, if you have hip or knee implants, severe diabetes, epilepsy, severe migraines, or recently placed IUD’s, pins, or plates. Once again, always check with your doctor before using this equipment.
Another thing to consider is the hefty price tag. Vibration exercise equipment starts at over $2000, and goes up dramatically from there depending on the model and manufacturer. If you are on a budget, you might look into trying the equipment out at a gym or spa before making the leap to purchasing one for your home.
With all this, it does appear that vibration exercise equipment can be beneficial to your health. After weighing the factors, you can make the decision about whether or not it would be a helpful addition to your home gym.
Dan O'Leary said,
December 23, 2008 @ 1:07 am
Have you tried the Lifespan whole body vibration equipment? Is it triangular oscillating movement? It claims it goes up/down, back/forth and side to side. Is that what is meant by triangular oscillating?
Karen F said,
January 21, 2009 @ 3:04 pm
Triangular oscillation does move up and down, and slightly side to side. This have been shown to be very effective and not cause the problems that the Piston vibration of many machines. Piston vibration is like a jackhammer on you, not as violent of course. I have a VibraSlim Europlate machine, I paid a little more for it but, when you compare it to others there is NO comparison.
Vibration exercise is no joke, although it does sound weird at first, once you get on a machine you will totally understand how it works. It is REAL exercise, it doesn’t just vibrate you. You really just have to get on one to understand it.
Brad Barnes said,
March 7, 2009 @ 1:36 pm
Much has changed since in a couple of years. This form of excerise in now used by millions. And the price has corespondingly gone down. My wife and I bought an Osa-Vib for $400.00 as compared to the Proellixe machine for over $4000. It’s also an oscillating triangular vibration machine. We had it over a year. It works great and we love it.
Dan S. said,
July 20, 2009 @ 6:22 pm
We sell the LifeSpan vibration plates and have had a great response from the customers. I am bone to bone in both of my knees and have five deteriorated and three bulging discs in my back, on a four year old MRI. Yep I was a steriod freak and abused my body years ago. Well now I make it a point to use the vibration plate in our store every day and it totally depends on position but it only takes me a few minutes to find the right position and it does make a great difference on my knees and back.
So as a user myself I can say that they do work. Now I have had one person who did not like it at first but within a couple of weeks he was a vibration plate regular user. They kind of remind everyone of the old machines with the belt that claimed to vibrate you fat off. But it is very different and again it does work.
The lifespan does sell in our store for $899.00 so it is a far cry from the $4,000.00 calims that a plate costs and also LifeSpan does stand behind their products and so far we have had NO PROBLEMS but if we ever do I am totally cinfident that LifeSpan will very quickly resolve the issue. Their service department, Matt, has been excellent to work with when we have needed him minimally on other machines they make.
Thanks and have a great day, Dan.
jasmin said,
October 5, 2009 @ 4:13 am
hello all,
i’m in Canada and i’m very intrested in a buy a good affordable vibration machine i have found 2 so far but i’m not sure if they are good or not or if i should consider a different option
VIBREX V150 WHOLE BODY VIBRATION EXERCISE MACHINE
the Crazy Slim V3 Vibrating Exercise Machine
both for a price less than 1000 $
thanks
FatGit said,
November 30, 2009 @ 5:01 am
I’m doubtful. Outside is a bloke with a pnumatic drill making holes in the road. He is vibrating all day, every day, for weeks!!! and he is a total fat bastard. According to him it just makes his joints ache: “a total crock”. So wheres the evidence?
Karen Hawkes said,
January 3, 2010 @ 6:08 am
I bought a cheap version of Crazy Fit vibrating Machine 2 weeks ago and would never look back. I used to have one of those old-fashioned ones with the belt and I even then found it great only though was difficult as could only use it waist, hip, buttocks and thighs. It also after 8-10mins made your skin itch. These new ones don’t and does the whole body. Being off work with unknown sickness (tendons/muscles atrophy) this is really good I can do however long my body allows me at the time.
One really needs to use a couple times to know what one means absolutely fantastic.
Lars said,
January 16, 2010 @ 9:49 am
I wonder if you could include reviews of any specific machines you’ve tried. I live in a small town far from any gym that has one of these machines. Yet I would like to try one before buying. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks.
Michelle said,
March 18, 2010 @ 1:25 pm
Hi. First, I want to ask if the vibrating machines help with toning the tummy and achieving a 6 pack? Also, I’ve come across a machine called the Maxxus 800 V-Trainer. It’s quite pricey but it’s said to move back to front AND side to side as opposed to other cheaper machines that only move side to side. Would both work in toning the tummy or just the one that moves side to side AND back and front?
Michelle said,
March 18, 2010 @ 1:26 pm
Hi, Karen F, what has the vibrating machine helped you with so far?
Tony said,
March 20, 2010 @ 8:40 am
I bought a vibration machine 3 weeks ago and use it twice a day for ten minutes each.
I have lost 6 pounds and I feel great. IT WORKS!!!
Jena said,
March 22, 2010 @ 11:36 pm
Why shouldn’t someone with an implanted defib pacemaker use one?
Laura said,
April 27, 2010 @ 1:40 pm
Has anyone ahad any exposure to the powervibe - Motion 1 machine. I am looking at purchasing one very soon but wanted to know if there is anyone who has some insight.
Stephanie said,
May 16, 2010 @ 2:39 am
Hi, I suffer with bulging discs in my back and I am concerned that the vibrating platforms may not be right for me. Can anyone offer advise of expereince in this matter. Does the constant vibrating cause the disc’s to move??
Kim from Canada said,
July 31, 2010 @ 2:34 am
I purchased the VibraSlim awhile ago, and can say with certainty, this machine works wonders..!! I do 10 minutes per day, following the program provided with VibraSlim, and I am already down one size in clothing.
I made it a purpose to change absolutely nothing else in my eating or exercising when I started the VibraSlim. That way it is proof to me that this new slim waist, hips and butt has come from using the VibraSlim, as that is the only thing different..!!
No regrets here..!!
Debby said,
August 23, 2010 @ 1:04 am
Attn Jena/Laura/Stephanie
Hey we just found this site and have a background in this industry. We are revibe@live.ca Hope this is helpful:
Attn: Jena,
March 22, 2010 @ 11:36 pm
Regarding the pacemaker check of course with a doctor that has some knowledge with vibration training/therapy prior to use. You can check with us if you need a referral to a knowledgable PT. Pacemaker is a condraindication for pivotal & lineal vibration platforms.
Attn Laura
April 27, 2010 @ 1:40 pm
The powervibe - Motion 1 is a massage therapy machine. We have significant experience with this type of machine. Just by looking at it’s construction, it couldn’t produce 28 hertz. The speed measurement is hertz or cycles per second. We’ve seen independant tests using an accelerometer (tests speed of platform) on quite a few of these types of pivotal machines made in Asia. Prices ranging $500 to $5000. 94% did not exceed 14 hertz. The remaining 6% did not exceed 15 hertz. All made claims of speeds/hertz to 30 and some upwards of 50. 100% failed to meet their claimed frequency ranges (ie. 5-30hz). In short buyer beware is the case. If at all possible try before you buy. We recommend Vibra-Flex/Galileo, or HyperVibe to ensure you understand what 15-28 hertz actually feels like. Only then can you truly make an informed decision.
Attn: Stephanie
May 16, 2010 @ 2:39 am
There is plenty of evidence that the right machine with the proper medical guidance has had positive effects. We do not advise trying a machine prior to consulting a qulaified professional with knowledge in vbration therapy/training. It can help address pain and strengthen supporting muscle groups. Again we can help with a referral if you need more information. Proper pose protocols are key when using as a therapy aide.
BA said,
August 26, 2010 @ 7:14 am
Can it cause or affect piles? (hemorrhoids)
Kirk said,
September 2, 2010 @ 4:32 pm
I recently did a lot of research into the various machines on the market before opening a fitness and wellness studio which incorporates them into our program. What I found out is most of them are misleading customers by inferring the benefits proven by research on other faster more powerful machines to theirs. No machine costing less than $2000 will operate at the same level as those used in research at universities and hospitals. Bottom line is unless the machine you are purchasing is actually used in the research or performs at the same level you may be wasting your money. You may see some initial improvements on a lesser quality machine but I think you will plateau rather quickly. Unlike a cheap treadmill, you can always run faster as you are doing all the work. With vibration training your muscles are reacting to the physical stimulation of the machine so allow yourself room for improvement. Please do your homework
helen harkin said,
September 11, 2010 @ 2:09 pm
Hi I have a motive fitness op1 machine and it is great. Very powerful. I love it. I also have buldging discs with sciatica plus fibromyalgia and find it eases the pain. It is easy to use and causes no strain on the joints.
Ron said,
September 17, 2010 @ 4:28 pm
Do any personal trainers use these, is there any place in Ft. Smith, Ark to see or try one?
Debby said,
November 8, 2010 @ 7:44 pm
Considering a machine? This is a must watch!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wx0JfAfhjbI
Dar Forsythe said,
November 11, 2010 @ 3:01 pm
I, for one, am quite sceptical. I would be interested in seeing the scientific studies that allows them to claim that vibrating machines increase your HGH production, this is laughable at best. This is nothing more than a gimmick reminiscent of the old vibrating belts our parents had in the 60’s. With all the science on exercise available need we regress to a level of taboo?
As for PT’s using this equipment, I am a certified PT as well as a PTS(canfitpro) and I know of noone that would use this garbage.
Really!
D.
Ouish said,
November 12, 2010 @ 11:36 pm
READ THIS PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!! People need to try something called exercise. It is never too late to exercise. A walk in the park is not exercise to me but to someone out of shape its a good workout. Weeks and months later they will walk faster and they could even jog later on and i bet they could even run. Its true. I lost 80+ pounds with NOTHING but exercise plus determination and consistency over a 6 month period. YES I DID. I run 40 miles a week, people told me not to do it, that i was hurting myself. Some were even afraid i would die. Guess what they are all fat and lazy and most of them turned to Gimmicks like this. Its sad very sad. One other thing, i did this all injury free and DOCTOR free. Just my stubborn will to acheive.
Kirk Regular said,
November 21, 2010 @ 8:01 pm
Ouish / Dar Forsythe
It is sad I know that most (90%) of the companies are marketing this as a gimmick and sell you cheap underperforming machines. VERY unethical! The truth is it is REAL exercise. It is more technical than weight machines and most people don’t understand it. You won’t see it next to the treadmill at the gym because you should have a qualified personal trainer to show you how to properly use it. If you workout on a REAL vibration training machine you will feel the same as you do at the gym. Even with delayed muscle stiffness the following day. This is also a great way for the runners like yourself to get some resistance training incorporated into your lifestyle. I know, I have been a marathoner and triathlete for more than 10 years and I have completed the Ironman twice and I think vibration training is great. Especially now that I have 2 small kids and do not have the time to spend hours at the gym.
Even these guys riding in the Tour de France think so.
http://www.galileo-training.com/de-english/news/n81/review-tour-de-france-2010.html
Cheers,
Kirk
dania said,
December 20, 2010 @ 10:45 am
hi, how about the skin itchiness while doing this vibration machine is it a good sign or not,…? anyone pls help me..tq
Lloyd Shaw said,
December 28, 2010 @ 11:42 pm
Dania… Try reading this regarding itchy skin and VT…
vibration-training-advice.com/red-skin-itchy-nose-or-swollen-hands
The rest of you. Be wary with companies trying to compare themselves with much higher priced units.
Eg… Hyper Vibe VS Galileo
Power Plate VS VibroGym
The cheaper units are sold by salespeople, not industry experts. People who rely on the sale to get by. They will do almost anything to get that sale. Safety amongst other things go out the door.
Personal trainers that do not comprehend vibration training, and are mixing it up with vibration massage deliberately ( or you really are that stupid ) . Get a clue you shaved monkey. You are obviously at the very bottom of the educational ladder in terms of health and fitness. There is no qualification lower than yours, do you understand that ? A hairdresser has more right to give their opinion on Vibration Training.
I have meet personal trainers that automatically comprehend involuntary reflex training and eccentric contractions. But then they are the top trainers. The others simply get brain freeze.
Dr. Silk said,
January 30, 2011 @ 12:45 am
Galileo is the commercial version of the original vibration machine used by the Russian cosmonauts, made in Germany and licensed for sale in the USA as Vibraflex. it is called oscillating vibration the only other type of vibration plates are called vertical vibration (Ex. power plate). Oscillating and triangular oscillation are the same thing it works like a teeter totter. Vertical and tri plainer are the same up and down movement this movement it has a little front/back movement and side sway inherent to its design. The frequencies and type of vibration are dependent to the desired result. I personally own several machines and use them as a rehabilitative tool with patients and as a strength and conditioning tool with athletes. WBV is a great modality that is under utilized at this point in time.
Dr. Silk said,
January 30, 2011 @ 1:19 am
skin itchiness is a result of increased blood flow to the area and is very common. i don’t think it is a bad thing or a good thing, its just a part of the experience.
debbie said,
March 3, 2011 @ 3:02 am
You can get one for $300 including shipping on ebay. And it is just as good as the $2,000 one. I love mine. and I hate to exercise. This machine is wonderful! Im looking forward to losing weight!
Vickie said,
March 31, 2011 @ 7:28 pm
I bought a less expensive one called convenience, I like it, have not lost any weight, but I have only had it for a week. But, I still enjoy the vibration of it all.
Pieter said,
May 31, 2011 @ 1:07 am
Can anybody tell me why vibration exercise is contra indicated for one having a pace maker. What damage could it do ?
Sammy said,
August 1, 2011 @ 1:26 am
Hello,
I am planning on buying a vibro pro 5500 whole body vibration machine. Anybody knows if this machine is what they claimed it to be, one of the best.
Thank you.
Diana Trimble said,
August 26, 2011 @ 12:20 pm
It is bogus and the people above who are skeptical are correct. There is no scientific evidence for it and I demanded a refund from a studio near where I live after doing 5 of 12 sessions, feeling zero happening in any of my target zones and just soreness in stupid areas like the inner hip joint, from the over-stretching exercises the trainers did. I then did some research and found that there is absolutely no evidence to support the efficacy of this system. But my own experience means even more than that - I am an experienced exerciser and I know what it feels like to tone up. The fraudulent nature of the whole thing became even more clear when I realized that although their website said nothing about a nutritional theory, the trainers were totally pushing low-carb. They even went so far as to call the Slimtech suction treadmill (I did a package with that plus the Powerplate) a “low carb machine” - which is an obviously meaningless statement. Now if you do an extreme low carb diet, even with no exercise at all, you will still lose weight in the short-term. It looks like they were getting some people to lose weight in this way and then crediting the machine. I had no intention of doing the low carb diet and know for a fact that I can lose weight without doing that, just eating normally, and exercising enough. When I confronted them they banned me from the studio. I have also read that heavy vibration is unhealthy for the body and brain for other reasons. Don’t bother with this stupid gimmick.
Kathryn said,
September 27, 2011 @ 8:37 pm
With a pacemaker the vibration could possibly loosen and detach the wires from the pacemaker to the heart. This is what I was told by a person that has a pacemaker and checked with his doctor. Please, if you are considering one of these machines, do your homework and check with your doctor. I have heard that they are also contra indicated for people with tumors.
Kathryn
Yonata said,
October 3, 2011 @ 2:18 am
Can anyone direct me to serious medical research that addresses the effects of the machine on disc and lower back stenosis? I have been using it for 2 months now (10 minutes a day) and suspect it might be harmful. But of course, the pain may not be related. What do experts say?
anna said,
October 5, 2011 @ 1:34 am
I am happy to say that I own the T-Zone vibration machine. I bought it originally for my bad back. I started using it 10mins sessions x3 daily. The results were outstanding!! and NOT FOR MY BACK which remains about the same but for my cellulite. I saw a 70% reduction in two weeks with a remarkable reduction in my love handles and slimming overall. My 78yr old mother also reduced the wrinkles on her arms by 10 years!! and the skin on her face regained a glow and tightened. Although I did not experience the results for which I originally bought the machine ie: My Back Problems, I was pleasantly surprised for the beauty effects and I am an addict. Today for instance, I was experiencing a very painful sinus headache with intense facial pressure. After taking 2 aspirins which did not work I decided to jump on the machine and lean into it. I set the machine on 25 and let the vibrations trickle subtly over my face. I leaned my head back and after 2/10min sessions my pain was no more and I could feel that my circulation had intensified. Whoever doubts that this technology works is merely missing out on a dynamic thing!!
Basil said,
October 9, 2011 @ 1:36 pm
Can anyone provide me with medical evidence or research done with the canadian
inch by inch,”toning” machines ?
anonymous said,
October 12, 2011 @ 9:41 am
is there any severe side effect if i use the vibration machine for more than ten minutes?
Anonymous said,
November 30, 2011 @ 4:39 pm
I have owned a Nitrofit Personal for over a year and love it. They sell them at a local fitness store near me alongside with Powerplate and Lifespan. Having tried them all before I made my decision the choice was clear. The Powerplate machines were uncomfortable and unreasonably expensive. I felt nothing more than an extreme vibration that numbed my legs and irritated my face. The Lifespan took too long to ramp up to full speed and would slow down when I shifted my weight. Finally the Nitrofit felt powerful and really engaged my core by just standing on it. I have seen a marked reduction of fat in my love handles and have had more energy since I have been using the Nitrofit. If I wake up with a stiff back in the morning, I sit on my machine for a few minutes and feel much better. It really does help loosen up my tight muscles.
As far as extreme weight-loss and muscle growth go…. I can’t say that I have seen much of that. Then again I use it lightly for exercise and pain relief. If I did all of the exercises that they recommend on their exercise chart, did cardio, and ate right.. I would definitely see drastic changes. Then again this applies with any exercise right?
Anonymous said,
January 3, 2012 @ 4:50 pm
I have been looking at the VisiFit machine from Forever Fit (http://www.myforeverfit.com/?page_id=480) and would like to know if anyone has tried it and what your experience has been. Forever Fit demoed a number of different machines at a private show last month and I tried a few models, but liked the VisiFit for it’s portability, 2.5 HP and 20 hz-60hz.
After trying one for 10 minutes, I felt that the machine really shook me up and could defnitely help me lose some inches. My husband and son are both very skeptical and don’t think thee types of machines can increase the heart rate enough to work up a sweat, so they don’t believe that one can lose weight. Any comments to defend my position on this?
I have no idea how this compares with some of the models listed in other reviews on this page, but before I decide to purchase, it would be great to get some opinions. Please advise.