Vibration platform machines are one of the newest ways that help you improve your fitness. In the past few years, fitness and technology have come a very long way. And this product can help you reach your goals for sure! A vibration platform machine can take on any number of looks, shapes, and designs. As a result, people are easily confused nowadays. This guide today will help you tremendously in determining what kind of vibration platform machine you will want and need.
There are so many uses and functions of a vibration platform machine and so much to break down, so we will help you out by letting you know everything there is to know about them!
After our buying guide is complete, we will take a look at some of the top vibration platform machines that are currently on the market. We’ll review them, and that will hopefully give you a great place to start your search for the perfect machine for you!
Vibration platform machines are the latest fitness craze out there, but that doesn’t mean that they are just a useless fad. All too many people discount new trends as being unnecessary when they first hit the market, but that doesn’t have to always be the case.
The main idea behind these machines is to help improve your overall fitness and health. They do this by helping you improve your exercise routine, and can be helpful in therapy as well.
Many doctors and therapists now recommend this sort of treatment, but it’s not something that is just automatically encouraged for all to do. Remember, each person is different.
Something that works for you may or may not work for the next person. So vibration platform machines shouldn’t be seen as a fix-all to all of your issues. They could help quite a bit, but they will not always have the exact desired effect that you might be looking for!
Vibration Exercise Machine Comparison Chart
Buying Guide
The History of Vibration
Dating back thousands of years, vibration has been seen as a way to help improve the body. The ancient Greeks used vibration, and they wrote all about it. This is far from a new idea, but it is one that has come into vogue of late. Trends tend to go in circles, so it looks like it’s vibration’s time yet again now.
For a time, vibration began to become popular in the 1890s when a Michigan doctor named Kellogg began to use it on patients. But it wasn’t expanded upon any further at that time.
In the 1960s, however, German and Soviet doctors began to use vibration for various purposes. One of them pertained to space, and this helped their astronauts remain in good fitness throughout long, arduous journeys. When the Soviet Union fell, their secrets flooded to the West. And vibration’s benefits and practice flowed toward the West as well. Now, there are many celebrities out there that are proponents of this type of therapy, and it’s truly a mainstream thing!
Why Were They Used In Space?
The Soviets figured out that vibration platforms would be excellent in space because they figured out that they helped prevent the loss of bone density.
This is something that is a big worry in space as the lack of gravity can cause astronauts to go long periods of time without using their muscles and bones like they would on earth. As the old saying goes, “if you don’t use, you lose it!” That goes without saying, but it’s 100% true here.
If you are in space for long enough, you will lose that bone density and you will begin to, essentially, forget how to walk. So the Soviets devised vibration as an answer to this big problem. And today, it’s also an answer for many elderly people as well.
The elderly naturally lose bone density over time, as you may know, and this is a great way to help fight back against some of that from occurring. While it’s not going to simply reverse all of it, it will go some way in helping you fight against the ill effects of losing your bone density.
The Benefits of Vibration Platform Machines
There are quite a few benefits to having a vibration platform machine. One of them, as we talked about above is to help fight against the loss of bone density. Studies show that vibration actually helps increase bone density, so you can be stronger and have a body that lasts much longer than people from decades and centuries ago!
Just think if people are able to walk more confidently! They wouldn’t have to worry about falls, which is one of the things that end up shortening human lives when we do age.
Vibration also has been shown to help increase muscle tone. This is one of the reasons that people have started to incorporate this into their fitness regimen. Before, people might have just done this is a side kind of thing. It would have been done in their spare time or just seen as therapy.
But that is no longer the case as people, and some of them could be considered very ‘ripped,’ are using vibration in conjunction with their workouts. This is a big craze for some, so it’s unlikely to die down soon. Especially, if people realize just what the results and benefits of the routine are!
Vibration has also been linked to weight loss as well. This one is one that you should be wary of, however. Most of the studies that have been done show that it reduces fat and weight when combined with lower caloric intake. So, you’re eating less and moving more. Of course, you’re going to lose at least some weight! Half of the battle is getting up and doing something about the situation that you are in. This is definitely the case with vibration platform machines.
If you are willing to do the work and put in the time, then you can get the results that you’re looking for. Please don’t believe that this, or any machine for that matter, are just going to be a magical fix for any problem you have. You can’t expect to use it once and get all of these benefits!
Vibration has been shown to help increase circulation, which is another huge thing that can help out everyone, but particularly the elderly community who does have more issues with this. Losing circulation can make it difficult for people to function.
Their touch and feel completely changes as a result of it, and it also makes getting blood to key areas of the body more difficult. This is not something that is good, and when you have no circulation, you can easily lose limbs. So, vibrations been found to help combat this.
Lastly, vibration has been shown to help improve the balance of individuals that partake in its use. Again, this is one that’s a little bit like the weight loss. The fact that you are exercising is already going to help you improve your balance.
No one just suddenly becomes an expert practitioner of yoga overnight! Instead, it does take time to get better. But vibration can help you improve your balance somewhat by making your body learn how to adjust itself on the fly. If you’re not knocked off balance, then you are learning!
Remember, these studies that have shown the above benefits are typically tied together with traditional therapy. So these things have been shown to help those that have real health issues. If they can help people that are not very healthy, then they should definitely help someone that is healthier and just looking to increase their overall health and well-being!
How Vibration Platform Machines Vibrate
This is one of the biggest things to look at. There isn’t just one type of machine for you to buy. Instead, there are many different types out there. Each one has its own purpose, and they can help you improve in different ways. Knowing about each type will help you make a better decision, and it could end up helping you pinpoint exactly what you need for your specific machine.
Biplanar
This type of machine is the type of machine that will typically be the least expensive that you can find on the market today. This type is called ‘biplanar’ because the platform of the machine moves in two different planes at the same time. Depending on the makeup of the machine, it could move up and down or it could move left and right. It really just depends.
These types of machines typically use AC motors, which are cheaper than DC motors.
Biplanar machines create a buzzing feel to them, so they are best used for massaging purposes. However, it is a light massage. Because they aren’t very precise, these machines are a little erratic with the waves that they give off.
They are not always in tune, so you are never quite sure if it’s going to be consistent or not. And it’s just not most of the time. Because of this, they are a little dangerous because they can be a little unbalanced at times. This is the risk you take, however, if you want something that is lower priced.
Cross Lateral
This is one of the newer types of vibration machines that are out on the market right now. The motion of the waves runs along the X axis, which means it goes right and left. But it does not go vertical at all. The amps are high and the speed is low, which makes this an ideal kind of vibration for people who are rehabbing either bad joints or bones. The vibrations are very controlled, unlike those seen in the biplanar type, and also lead to doing a good job in the rehab area as a result.
Hard Triplanar
This is the type of vibration platform that is often marketed toward higher-class athletes, or to those that want to be like them! This type is typically referred to as a “power plate,” and they are typically relatively inexpensive due to the fact that they are easy to make by manufacturers. This type is very similar to biplanar vibration, but motion can be produced in three directions at once while the plate wobbles.
Some of these plates have two motors inside, to increase the power of the vibrations, but many of them (especially the lower-priced one) do not have the motors synced, so it becomes random and a little dangerous as a result. The big issue with this type of machine is the fact that it causes stress and strain due to the weight of the user bouncing up and down continuously.
This type used to be the most popular type of vibration, because of its widespread nature and being able to find them at all kinds of gyms, but they are losing popularity because of some of the dangers that they have shown.
Soft Triplanar
This type has come up more recently, and it’s done so as an answer to the hard tri-planar machines. This type looks to solve the issues while maintaining some of the ideas of the hard tri-planar system. This machine does not have the same dangers, such as the intense levels of stress on the joints, but they still offer the same benefits. So, you can still find increased bone density, increased strength, and improved blood circulation if you are looking for that!
This type of machine has become very popular over the last five or so years and is used very frequently by chiropractors, rehab facilities, and wellness centers all over the world.
Spiral Rotational
Spiral rotational machines are machines that are also still fairly new in the market. This type isn’t very common, though, because soft tri-planar machines have started to corner the market due to having multiple motions that are made. The platform does not spin on this type, but there is a spinning mechanism that forces it to in a circular motion instead. This isn’t a type that is seen very often, so we won’t look into this type any further.
Pivotal Oscillation Motion
This is the most commonly found vibration found in machines in today’s marketplace. This is the type that is market very heavily toward women who like to workout and want to incorporate vibration’s benefits into their fitness regimen. They’re also very popular for use on weight loss programs, particularly for women as well. The motion of the platform is very similar to that of a see-saw. So one side will go up while the other side goes down. Simple really! It has low speeds but has a high amount of amps.
This makes it very suitable and good to use in conjunction with weight loss and improving your balance. But it’s not great for use with weight or strength training or trying to increase circulation.
Be careful and know that there are different price points for this type of machine. Not all of them are created equally, despite them all being referred to as “pivotal oscillation motion” machines! The lower-priced ones aren’t as consistent in their motions, so they can be more dangerous than the higher quality ones are.
Dynamic Wave Motion
Dynamic wave motion is most simply defined as the combination of oscillation and cross-lateral motions. This type of motion has two separate motors and two separate mechanical systems. It has high amplitude and a low speed, which is good for use for those that are looking to lose weight and improve their balance. Like the cross-lateral motion, it’s great for those that have knee or joint issues and would be good for rehabilitation purposes. The vibrations are in harmony, so there are no adverse effects to this type. They are a little more expensive than biplanar types, but you really are getting more bang for your buck here.
Pure Vertical Movement
Pure vertical movement machines are the final type of machine we will talk about. This type is a real rarity to find in the marketplace due to their high cost. As a result, they are usually only found at medical and chiropractic facilities, and they are usually only used for very specific injuries. They can run at prices of $15,000 and upwards, so you will probably never even want to consider buying one.
These top of the line machines are adjustable in their amplitude, and they can allow you to pinpoint specific joints that do not need to be moved in a lateral manner. This is a great scientific tool, and it can be great for really bad injuries, but this type of machine has never been meant to be purchased by individuals.
Hertz and Frequencies
The frequencies that a vibration machine give off are very important in determining just how good of a machine you have. In order to get the very most out of your use of the machine, you need to make sure that the number of Hertz available is at a certain threshold. When a vibration machine is too slow or not powerful enough, you risk not getting the most out of your time. So, to prevent this there are a few rules and measures that you can take to combat the issue.
First, you need to make sure that the number of Hertz that it puts out is at least 28 Hertz. There are many different types of vibrations out there, as you can see above, but the target point is to at least reach 28 Hertz. 25 is the minimum number of Hertz that you will want to see. The reason why is because you are going to want to fatigue the muscles and make them grow stronger. Some models out there today, especially those that are cheaper and made abroad, only produce about half of the needed Hertz.
These machines don’t do nearly as much in terms of your workout, and they also do not give you the added benefits of improved balance or improving your bone density.
It’s also important to know that your body will not get any added benefits by ramping up the Hertz to above 30. In fact, the human body does not correspond to frequencies that are that high!
So, this is an area in which you need to find the correct sweet spot. You don’t want anything too low, but you also don’t want to be foolish and try to push the limits of physics, either!
So, whether you are looking for a better workout or just want to see the benefits of this type of therapy, you need to make sure that the frequencies are correct! You don’t want to waste your time or money on things that do not work, and you also do not want to do something that will ultimately harm you, so please advise the above rules and follow them.
Amplitude
Like the frequencies, the amplitude of the machine is also very important in ensuring that you are getting the best workout possible and seeing all of the benefits from your time! No one wants to waste their time with poorly made machines, so amplitude can be looked at to make sure that this doesn’t happen to you.
Amplitude refers to how far up and down the sides of the plate move. Amplitude creates G-forces, which is an accelerating force that is being acted against in the opposing direction. It’s also a measurement of how strong gravity and this phenomenon is in a certain situation. You want to reach a certain number of G’s, but you will only be able to do so if you have a certain amount of amplitude.
The right amount of amplitude that you are looking for is 14 millimeters. At this threshold, you can see all of the benefits of this type of training. Without it, you are losing some of the edge that you need to have in order to properly improve and gain like you would want to. This doesn’t seem like it would be that big of a deal, but 14 millimeters against 12 is a huge difference. And 12 against 10 is also a very big deal!
When you have an amplitude of 14 millimeters (or more) with 28 Hertz, you are going to get a great workout and see all of the benefits that you are hoping to gain from it! If you want to get in better shape and get a better workout, then this is definitely the way forward instead of going halfway.
Motor Power
The power of the motor is a big deal when picking out a vibration machine or power plate. The power of the motor will either be conveyed to you in watts (W) or horsepower (HP). The higher the number is, the better the motor will be at holding up over time. Heavy usage is something that most people will be expecting of their choice, so you will certainly want something that will last a long time and run well. It also will give you more power as the numbers go up, which is never a bad thing to have when you pair it with a machine that has good amplitude!
Plate Size
It feels like this has been a very technical guide, but this section is pretty down to earth and easy to understand for sure! The size of the plate is going to be important to you because it will determine whether or not you buy it! The plate is what you are going to be standing, lying, or kneeling on while you do your exercise or activities. The bigger the plate is, the more you will be able to do on it.
There are a number of sizes and shapes that are available out there on the market. There are some that are used in conjunction with step machines. There are some that are just plates themselves. The latter type is great for people that are doing yoga. You are getting a double helping or improved balance by doing those at the same time! You can also do other exercises while on a bigger plate.
The choices are much more limitless on that type, but if you are looking for a cardio type of workout they have plenty of choices in that area as well!
Some even come with resistance bands nowadays, so the choices truly are numerous. Remember, the bigger the plate is, the bigger and more efficient the motor will need to be. It has more to support, after all, so be aware on that front!
Additional Features to Look For
Not that the technical stuff is well and truly out of the way, here are a few things to keep your eye on and for you to think about when purchasing a vibration machine or any sort. Here are just a few quick things to think over before making your ultimate decision:
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Size
the size of a machine is a big deal. If you don’t have a lot of space, it might be a tough sell to ask for a bigger machine. If you have a lot of space, then you might be able to go with something that takes up a lot of room. It really just depends on your unique situation. For those that are low on space, there are options for units that you can place under your bed or in a closet.
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Is it easy to move?
this is a big question that’s sometimes overlooked. Portability is something that might be desirable to you. If you need something that you can move easily, possibly because you don’t have much room or because you travel, then you will need to look for something that is lighter to carry and fairly small. This will, of course, cut down on the number of exercises that you can do of course!
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Grips
the type of grips that you find on a machine can be a make or break thing as well. If you are looking for something that is comfortable and will be durable, you will want to see a lot of patterns going up and down, left and right, or in some other intricate manner. Just be aware that not all grips are the same because materials can fluctuate from one to the next.
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Display
like a treadmill, some vibration platforms have a system to display a number of things. Some of the things that you can look at are calories you’ve burned, the amount of time you’ve been working out, and even your heart rate. Depending on the sophistication (or lack thereof), these features may or may not be included! Even if an LED display is included, it does not always mean the quality is high, remember! And it may not have all of the features you’d expect, either.
Vibration Platform Machine Reviews
1. Confidence Fitness Slim Full Body Platform
this platform looks like a more traditional gym version. It’s much like a stepper or a treadmill type set up. It’s at a very reasonable price as well for this type of machine, it must be said. There are bars on the side to hold onto which will prevent you from doing just any old move, but the platform is still big enough to do a lot of exercises on. This is best for people that want to get more fit without having something that will leave a lot of stress on joints. It has a screen to view various displays on and can be adjusted to any of 50 different speeds! The maximum user weight of 300 lbs, and it’s also pretty easy to move around as it has wheels on it despite sounding scarily heavy at 70 lbs.
Pros
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- Good price
- Fairly easy to move
- Has displays and different speeds
Cons
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- Will take time to work up fitness levels
- Definitely a starter model, but a good one nonetheless
2. LifePro Rhythm Vibration Plate Machine
The LifePro Rhythm gives you loads of options and a wide range of intensity levels between easy and hard. Speed settings range from 1 to 99 so you can track your own progress as you set the dial for a higher number all the time. Not only does this machine feature an easy to navigate and use display screen, but there’s also a remote control. The included heart rate monitors on the handrails help you monitor your intensity levels. Online you’ll receive a pro trainer manual and e-book to help accelerate your learning progress.
Pros
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- REALLY good customer ratings of 5/5
- 99 intensity level settings
- heart rate monitor included
Cons
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- Potentially difficult to put together
3. Hurtle Fitness Standing Vibration Machine Platform
This Hurtle is the first of the standalone variety on our list. Instead of having bars on the side and looking a lot like a treadmill, this is just a plate by itself. However, it does come with resistance bands and a remote control to help you set the settings to the degree at which you prefer them to be. It’s also at a pretty reasonable price, but it’s not much cheaper than the other machines we’ve seen thus far. This is an oscillation motion machine, and it also has 20 different adjustable speeds that you can choose from. It does have a display on it, but it is rather small. Still, it’s pretty cool that they were able to incorporate that feature in spite of its size. In terms of platforms, it’s not all that big really, but it does allow you to do yoga and stretch on it. It allows much more freedom of movement than the other two, and it accommodates user up to 275 lbs. It has been shown to help prevent repeated injuries, so athletes can benefit greatly from this one.
Pros
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- Good price
- Allows greater freedom of movement
- Remote is great for those that can’t see as well
Cons
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- Makes a terrible, high pitch noise
- Vibrations aren’t the smoothest
4. GForce Professional Dual Motor Whole Body Vibration Machine
if you’re looking for something that is closer to what you see at the doctor, then this is the answer for you. It’s at a pretty high cost, but you get all kinds of freedom from this model. It’s a stand-up machine with handles on the display, but it does not have them blocking your way. It has a large platform for you to perform all sorts of exercises on, so you could do strength-based workouts, yoga, or cardio on this one. It has six different modes that you can operate it on as well as 60 different speeds to choose from. Tailoring a workout specifically to you is much easier with this type of machine. It is quite heavy in comparison to the others that we’ve seen at 150 lbs, so please be aware of that. It may not be the easiest thing in the world to move, for sure! With that said, it does have wheels to help with that somewhat. It has a steel body as well, which will last longer and hold up better than plastics will.
Pros
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- Steel body is very durable
- Very easy to find a good workout level for you
- Gives you lots of freedom of movement
Cons
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- Very costly
- Very heavy and can be tough to move
5. Bluefin Fitness 3D Dual Motor Vibration Platform
Bluefin calls this the “Three Dimensional Vibration and Oscillation fitness massage machine”. What that means is there are 2 motors that offer horizontal, linear and 3D vibration. It has 180 levels of intensity so I’m guessing the Bluefin Fitness 3D vibration plate is suitable for beginners and elite athletes alike – so don’t worry if you think you’re not worthy! YOU ARE! It features a remote control (nice!) and it also offers you 5 pre-programmed routines lasting 10 minutes each. The LCD panel lets you track your workout and your progress.
All around, this is a very easy to store, small but powerful solution.
Customers give this machine a full 5 out of 5 stars. That’s always a good sign folks!
Pros
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- Has great grips for your feet
- Unique 3D vibration features.
- Lots of intensity levels and pre-programmed routines
Cons
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- A little expensive for this type of machine
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
In conclusion, there are a number of machines out there to help you reach your fitness and health goals. With so many out there, people are having a hard time deciphering what is best for them. Whether you’re looking to rehab injuries, improve your overall fitness, or just get better with balance, you can find something that is right for you. Remember, the best way to find what you are looking for is to do your research! This is a tough thing to tell someone to go to the store and try out! It’s going to take a very specific set of specifications for you to be made satisfied. This is because each and every single person is different. But after today’s guide, you can rest assured that you will make a much better decision going forward!