There are a few types of machines that promise to do all the work for you when it comes time to exercise. Working out can improve your mood, help you fight illness and increase strength. Machines that do the work for you claim to bypass the traditional forms of exercise and improve muscle mass. To understand if these workouts are beneficial, you need to learn a little about how the body builds muscle in the first place. Talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise routine.
Building Muscle 101
Increased muscle mass is a response to stress. When you workout, muscles are challenged and finally the resistance causes damage. As a response, the body will break down the muscle and rebuild it stronger. This is a form of adaptation the body uses to avoid the stress in the future. Continually increasing the intensity of a workout builds larger muscles.
Vibration Machines
Vibration machines, or platforms, allow you to sit or stand while the machine does the work. Once on the machine, it will resonate either in a focused area or the whole body. Edward R. Laskowski, M.D. from Mayo Clinic reports that this form of exercise can be beneficial, but will not build muscle. In order for the muscles to be stressed, they must contract and expand. This won't happen just from vibration. Dr. Laskowski points out the vibration device can improve bone density for some and may even increase muscle strength but is not a suitable replacement for cardiovascular training or lifting weights.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)
Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) devices use a mild shock to force muscles to contract. The mechanism behind an EMS exerciser is closer to what happens when you lift weights or work with resistance bands. In fact, EMS machines are often used for physical therapy to help rehabilitate muscle. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), you can gain some minor toning with these devices. True muscle growth, however, requires that you increase the resistance. Otherwise, muscles will no longer be challenged, and the body will stop breaking them down.
Considerations
Vibration platforms and electrical muscle stimulators may not be safe for some people. For instances, if you have back problems, a vibration machine may make them worse. Do not try either system if you have a pacemaker or have heart problems. If your doctor is telling you to get some exercise for your health, ask if these machines will help you.
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