Step on board for good vibrations
Just stand there -- and get fitter. That’s the promise of whole-body vibration platforms, which shake you 20 to 50 times a second and have been shown to increase circulation, accelerate muscle development and speed rehabilitation from strains. Developed by Olympic coaches in the former Soviet Union decades ago and used by Russian cosmonauts to overcome some of the physiological effects of space flight, vibration technology has also been used in Europe. Several major U.S. professional sports teams have recently begun using vibration machines, which are now available in some gyms and for home use. The vibrating platforms can be used to do squats, push-ups, dumbbell exercises and other movements -- or you can just stand.
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Side to side
VibraFlex 500: A high-end model that uses unique side-to-side vibrating motion.
Likes: The manufacturer claims that its “teeter--totter” vibration motion better replicates a natural run-walk motion that aids posture. Adjustable from 5 to 30 hertz.
Dislikes: Expensive
Price: $11,900. (877) 249-4229;
www.vibraflex.com.
Up and down
PowerPlate Personal: Low-cost version of a model that introduced vibration training to the U.S.; used by dozens of pro sports franchises.
Likes: A large plate, attached to a 4-foot-high control panel with a stop-start button, enables you to do step-up exercises, push-ups and squats, among other exercises. Shakes at a strong 35 vibrations per second; speed can be lowered by adding a foam rubber mat, which is included. The up-and-down motion provides a terrific stretching and massaging action on quads, hamstrings and calves.
Dislikes: Not adjustable
Price: $3,500. (877) 877-5283; www.powerplateusa.com.
On again,
off again
ExerVibe Versa Climber: The first aerobic machine with vibration added.
Likes: Fantastic and fun workout. The addition of 30 hertz of vibration transforms the VersaClimber into a total-body workout. The vibration helps warm up joints and muscles and magnifies the strength effect on muscles. An intermittent timer turns the vibration on and off.
Dislikes: None
Price: $4,500 to $6,500. (800) 237-2271; www.versaclimber.com.
Back to basics
Soloflex WBV Platform: The first low-priced vibration platform.
Likes: Simple, practical design is portable and has a comfortable rubber-coated surface. Pleasant 26.6-hertz vibration provides a subtle buzz that seems to work well.
Dislikes: Not adjustable. No raised control panel; on-off switch on the floor might be awkward for some.
Price: $395. (800) 547-8802; www.soloflex.com.
-- Roy M. Wallack