Whole Body Vibration Weight Loss
Look on TV or on the internet and you’re bound to see a myriad of gizmos and gadgets that claim to help you lose weight. Vibration belts, fancy shoes, home and gym equipment – it’s all out there. But what do you really thing when people talk about the potential for losing weight with whole body vibration?
What is Whole Body Vibration?
Whole body vibration is a generic term for a lot of different exercise theories with one thing in common – the use of a vibration frequency that is emitted through the human body during an activity. Whole body vibration is a scientifically researched form of training. The individual holds a series of exercises while standing on a vibrating panel, like the power plate, for up to a minute per exercise. These short bursts of exercise combined with vibration are designed to give the best benefit possible without causing any joint damage. Theoretically, anyone holding the positions correctly should reach a state of muscle fatigue before a minute is up.
Can You Use Whole Body Vibration to Lose Weight?
The answer here isn’t clear-cut, and no one really knows for sure as the science is so new. There hasn’t been a ton of comprehensive research on the benefits. Research does show, however, that whole body vibration can be great for improving balance (especially in older exercisers), lowering levels of back pain, and reducing bone loss.
So what does that really mean to you?
The exercise isn’t without merit. It can definitely aid in your weight loss efforts, but aid is the key word. It’s definitely a low-impact and low-intensity type of exercise, which is great for those recovering from injuries and illness. It may burn fat, improve your flexibility levels, and relieve stress. Initial research does show that it also helps to increase muscle strength.
Alone, it probably isn’t the best weight loss tool. Combined with a healthy diet, regular cardiovascular exercise, and a basic strength-training plan, whole body vibration is an excellent complement to your workout plan. It’s also a great addition to any type of rehabilitation or recovery plan.
Of course, weight loss isn’t the only reason to look at whole body vibration training. For example, NHL player Michael Del Zotto surprised his bud Liam Traynor (12) with a Power Plate and a trainer. They’ve been using it to gently strengthen his muscles and alleviate some of his Cerebral Palsy Symptoms. There are also studies showing that this type of exercise can be incredibly beneficial to elderly individuals who need help to improve balance and reduce their fall risks. Sports teams and celebrities swear by the benefits they’ve achieved with whole body vibration.
Take it or leave it. There are a lot of options out there when it comes to weight loss and exercise. Whole body vibration shows a lot of promise, but we don’t think it should be the end-all-be-all when it comes to your regular routine. Incorporate it as an element, but don’t make it your primary focus – not yet, anyway.