Vibration exercise equipment is gaining popularity in the fitness world, but carries its share of controversy with it. Once considered a scam, vibration training is receiving more notoriety and consumer trust. With more machines on the market to choose from, it becomes more difficult to know which machines work best and whether it's worth the money.
How It Works
Similar to a treadmill but with no moving belt, vibration exercise machines have a platform that you either stand, sit, lay or place a body part on. The machine vibrates, sending the movement through your entire body, forcing you to move in order to maintain your balance, causing your muscles to contract, your tendons to stretch out and your blood to flow better, increasing oxygenation.
Most Popular
The most popular selling machines include disc or plate models which resemble ottomans with rubber pads on top. Designed to use alone or in conjunction with other exercises, these models range in price from around $200 to over $2,500 as of 2011, according to Galt Technology, Internet buying guide and consumer research company. Price is not always the best indicator of quality, as manufacturers are aware of consumers' lack of knowledge about these products and are taking advantage with outrageous price markups, according to VibrationTraining.net.
Construction and Warranty
One of the main factors in choosing the best vibration exercise equipment should be construction material. These machines need to stand up against repeated use, strong vibrations and body weight. Avoid plastic construction and aim for steel that will hold up for the long-haul. Also, the better the machine is made, the better the warranty will generally be. A good warranty time is approximately 2 years.
Other Factors
The best machines offer a variety of settings. Your body will adjust to one level of vibration and will stop responding to the work it needs to do while on the machine. Activate muscle confusion by using different settings on the machine, challenging your muscles in alternate ways. Also, machines post weight limits, confirm you are under the weight limit set for the machine, otherwise it will break easily. The best equipment is what feels comfortable; try out different machines. Make sure noise level is low and the machine moves without chattering your teeth.
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