Shake Away Those Pounds with this Hot New Workout Gizmo

I am sure you have all seen it before, the picture or short video clip of the fat lady standing in front of an exercise machine that has a strap attached to it that goes around her waist and when activated, the strap shakes her midsection and backside violently in an attempt to vibrate her weight away? They're baaack! The construction is different; however, the process is exactly the same. Vibration platforms were designs to help you burn more calories and build flexibility by exercising and activating your muscles over and over again, thus multiplying the exercise effects.

Now available for home use from leading home gym equipment manufactures such as Soloflex and Life Span Fitness, now everyone can use these vibration platforms to add the additional benefits of vibration to their home workout routine. But do not rush out and buy one just yet. There are some people who should not use them. If you are prone to migraine headaches or you are pregnant you should avoid using this workout machine. The constant jarring could trigger a mishap.

Try one out at a gym before purchasing because it may not fit your workout program or suit you. When selecting a vibration platform look for a unit that has a platform with three different vibration directions; a front to back direction, a side to side direction, and an up and down direction. The frequency setting is also important, this determine the intensity of the vibration. A vibrating platform with a range of settings that include 25 to 50 hertz and 2 to 6 millimeter amplitude should be sufficient for at home use. No extensive studies on the negative side effects of higher vibration intensities have been published at this time.

Basically, you stand on the vibration platform and complete your regular exercise workout. Strength training and stretches as usual with the added intensity of vibration is said to boost your flexibility and increase muscle tone. It is suggested that you complete this routine twice a week for 20 minute per session. There are no known additional benefits obtained for exceeding the 20 minute limit. The vibration apparently warms up your muscles and makes them work harder.

Will this turn out to be fad based exercise equipment or does it have lasting value? Only time will tell. Vibration platforms have been available in high end gyms and health clubs for years. Popular celebrities have been raving about the added benefits they have been getting when exercising on them. They are a bit pricey, starting at a low $300 and a high end of $4,500, with an average price around $1,000. But, do they give results?

Shake Your Way Slim - Health Magazine, January/February, 2008