Whole Body Vibration: Healthy or Harmful?

Okay. There are two vibrating machines that we know work well: those electric massagers, and those other electric massagers. These things both feel great. But can a machine that vibrates your whole body really help you loose weight and get healthier?

The whole body vibration (WBV) method is simple: you stand on this $3,000.00 machine (which you can buy yourself, or you can use one at a hip gym that follows all the weight-loss gadget trends) that vibrates. You can do some basic workout moves on it, like squats, or you can just stand there for about fifteen minutes. It kind of makes me think of those vibrating belts from the fifties that you always see archive footage of women using (they always seem like they're really enjoying themselves). These old machines basically just jiggled all the flab on the ladies' midsections, hips and thighs, providing some very entertaining video, and that's about it.

Supposedly Madonna uses a version of this machine called the Power Plate, which is the crème de la crème of vibrating machines, so they'll surely be selling like hotcakes. Keep in mind that Madonna has also admitted to being a yoga freak, runs every day, and even suffered a hernia from overexerting herself, so you have to wonder if this "miracle" machine is what gave her that bod, or if it's the hours of exercise and her strict diet doing the work.

This machine is slowly becoming the next weight loss fad in a cesspool of other rotten ideas. It's basically that same machine from the fifties slightly revamped, endorsed by celebs, and stamped with an outrageous price tag, and before you know it, it will fade away like the thigh master, ab roller, and those freaky vibrating belt machines.

The claims of the purveyors if the machine are numerous. They claim it can get rid of stubborn cellulite and increase blood flow, as well as toning the body by making muscles constantly contract and relax, which results in weight loss and a celebrity-sexy body. It's also said to be a good "exercise" for arthritis and osteoporosis sufferers, since it places no strain on joints, and it can relieve back pain, as well.

However, there is no way that anyone can claim this machine gives a good cardiovascular workout (it doesn't do that at all) and it is definitely not a replacement for this type of exercise, which his extremely important for heart health. You can be assured people will see it that way, however. Everyone wants a "quick fix", and they'll surely see this as such.

Is the machine dangerous and will it make you look like Madonna? Probably not, and not a chance in Hell. At $3,000.00 a pop, you're much better off (and so is your pocketbook) walking, stretching, and strength training. Or, if you really want to try it without the high price, you could go drive up and down a bumpy road or sit on top of your dryer.