What is Whole Body Vibration? Vibration training is a type of training in which the person is exposed to repetitive oscillation (side to side or up and down) produced by a vibration plate.
The concept of whole body vibration (WBV) was developed initially by NASA to prevent the loss of circulation, bone density, and muscle strength while astronauts are in outer space. Using this technique, they can help to maintain their physical fitness while in space.
Because of its effects on recovery and fitness, this technology is already widely used in the fitness and health industry. People worldwide use whole body vibration in gyms or at their homes under a personal trainer’s supervision.
If you’re a personal trainer who’s planning on adding this machine to their fitness arsenal, you’ve come to the right article. We’ll be discussing everything you need to know about this technology and more!
How Does Whole Body Vibration Work?
In this type of training, you will have to stand, lie, or sit on top of the whole body vibration machine. As the platform produces vibration, energy is transmitted throughout your body. The energy will force your muscles to contract then relax alternately. This action happens many times each a second.
Due to the vibrating movement, your muscles will feel fatigued as though you’ve completed a workout even if you’re just lying, sitting, or standing up. This is largely due to the need for the smaller stabilizer muscles to engage throughout.
The Benefits of Using the Whole Body Vibration Machine
Vibration therapy is now being considered as a therapeutic treatment by experts because of its demonstrated benefits. With that in mind, below we discuss some of the whole body vibration machine benefits that you should know about.
Improved circulation and cardiovascular function
The continuous relaxation and contraction of your muscles promotes proper blood flow and improves blood circulation in the body. Better circulation can keep the heart healthy and prevent heart attacks.
Alleviates muscle soreness and pain
The vibrations can disrupt the signal pains sent out by your body, so you feel less pain.
Increase bone density
Studies cited in the Current Osteoporosis Report concluded that this type of therapy can help stimulate bone formation, improve bone density, and boost bone strength.
Weight reduction and increased metabolism
Does whole body vibration work for weight loss? It actually does. There are many reasons why people use whole body vibration for weight loss. Here are a few:
- More dynamic and effective workouts as the vibration can work your muscle fibers on overdrive. The level of muscle engagement that a vibration plate offers is similar to the level you can get from high-intensity workouts.
- The therapy balances your cortisol levels so you can recover better and workout more.
Are whole body vibration machines safe?
Is whole body vibration good for you? That would depend on your current health condition. While vibration therapy is considered to be generally safe, it’s not for everyone.
One thing you should understand is it comes with a few adverse effects. Whole body vibration machine side effects include loss of balance, headache, stomach problems, fatigue, and shakiness. Its effects are similar to the symptoms of motion sickness and are typically temporary.
Because of these potential effects, undergoing vibration therapy is not advised for at risk populations, including:
- Those with heart disease
- Pregnant women
- Those with advanced diabetes
- Those who are taking blood-thinning medications
Remember, you should always ask your clients to submit a physical activity readiness questionnaire (PAR-Q) or medical history so you can determine if they are a suitable candidate for this type of training. If they have any of the conditions mentioned above, ask them to seek advice or approval from their medical doctor first.
Are whole body vibration machines effective?
There are many studies that show that this therapy is effective in achieving the whole body vibration health effects mentioned above.
How often should one use a whole body vibration machine?
The recommendation is to use the whole body vibration machine for 15 to 30 minutes, 2 to 3 times a week.
How many calories does whole body vibration burn?
The rough estimate of the calories burned using a vibration plate is around 50 to 125 calories for a 15-minute session.
However, keep in mind that actual weight loss with whole body vibration machines will vary depending on many factors, including your weight, body composition, height, nutritional intake and exercise program.
Should you use vibration training with your clients?
Based on its health effects, whole body vibration therapy can be a valuable tool for personal trainers in helping their clients achieve their fitness and health goals. But as we’ve mentioned, you must perform an in-depth review of the client’s medical history to ensure that this therapy will not do more harm than good.
Should you introduce whole body vibration workouts to your clients?
Yes, your clients’ potential to lose weight may increase significantly if they perform whole body vibration exercises.
Conclusion:
There are benefits to whole body vibration training, but we cannot deny the fact that the whole body vibration plate is quite expensive. And while it may not suit everyone, this type of training can be a perfect addition to a well-designed exercise program for the right audience.
If you feel you’re capable of creating an exercise program that can make the most out of vibration plate training, adding a whole body vibration machine to your fitness arsenal may prove to be a worthy investment.
Business Savvy Personal Trainer
Matt is fitness professional and has experience training across multiple styles and with different goals in mind. His passion for fitness started at a young age through sports and other physical activities. His goal is to help others in their journey - both personal and professional - because he knows just how much of a challenge it can be.
