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