Exercise Equipment:
Vibration Exercise Equipment - Is It a Scam?
by Ainuddin Mohamad
The theory behind vibration exercise equipment was
actually generated for the Russian space program. With zero
gravity, there is no resistance to work your muscles, and with
prolonged stay in space can lead to muscle deterioration and
even loss in bone density. To fight this...
One of the newer products on the market is vibration exercise equipment.
Claiming to help do everything from toning muscles to improving strength and
bone density, some people are turning to this controversial equipment to reach
their workout goals.
The theory behind vibration exercise equipment was actually generated for the
Russian space program. With zero gravity, there is no resistance to work your
muscles, and with prolonged stay in space can lead to muscle deterioration and
even loss in bone density. To fight this, the Russians came up with vibration
exercise.
The theory is simple. The person using the equipment merely gets onto a
platform. They can stand, sit, lay down, or even focus the platform on certain
body parts. This platform creates a vibration, which is sent through the body.
In reflex the muscles contract. This causes tendons to stretch, and increases
blood flow and improving blood oxygenation. This strengthens and tones them
without effort on the person’s part. Since the vibrations get sent through the
entire body, all the muscle groups are affected. Ultimately, the makers of the
equipment claim that it will help increase range of motion, coordination,
posture, bone density, and even decreases cortisol, the stress hormone. It is
said to be relaxing, which lowers stress and can even eliminate tension related
pain. They also claim that anyone can use the equipment – whether they are young
or old, skinny or overweight, a seasoned athlete or beginning exerciser.
The efficacy of the equipment seems to be proven in the space program itself.
With using the equipment, the Russian space team was able to spend a record of
420 days in space. In comparison, the Americans, who trained with traditional
workout equipment, have only stayed 120 days because their bones and muscles
started to give out.
Research now is turning to study the use of vibration exercise in medicine and
rehabilitation programs. It is being used to help accident victims and coma
patients regain use of their muscles with some success.
The makers of vibration equipment claim that the equipment stands up to the
highest possible safety standards. The machine itself seems to be user-friendly
– they take up little space and do not require much maintenance. They are
reputed to be so easy to use that you do not even need to change your clothes.
However, if your goal is to lose weight, you may wonder whether or not the
equipment will work with you.
One thing to keep in mind is that astronauts, and the sports teams endorsing
vibration exercise equipment, are already in a pretty healthy state. They watch
what they are eating and are active. It is kind of hard to binge on potato chips
and ice cream when you are thousands of miles away from the closest convenience
store. To get the most out of any workout, including that with vibration
equipment, to get the best results you will want to make lifestyle changes as
well. This includes everything from eating a healthy diet to taking vitamins, to
spending fewer hours in front of the TV. Before starting any new exercise
program, you should always speak with your doctor. This is especially true if
you have experienced illness or injury, or if you are elderly or severely
overweight.
There are some specific instances where vibration technology should not be
considered an option. These include, but are not limited to, pregnancy, advanced
heart disease, if you have a pacemaker, if you have just had surgery, if you
have hip or knee implants, severe diabetes, epilepsy, severe migraines, or
recently placed IUD’s, pins, or plates. Once again, always check with your
doctor before using this equipment.
Another thing to consider is the hefty price tag. Vibration exercise equipment
starts at over $2000, and goes up dramatically from there depending on the model
and manufacturer. If you are on a budget, you might look into trying the
equipment out at a gym or spa before making the leap to purchasing one for your
home.
With all this, it does appear that vibration exercise equipment can be
beneficial to your health. After weighing the factors, you can make the decision
about whether or not it would be a helpful addition to your home gym.
About the Author
Ainuddin Mohamad is the Webmaster of
http://www.BestWebsites.com.my which is a Directory of Best Websites. Since
July 2000
BestWebsites.com.my has featured thousands of best websites in many
categories of interest with descriptions/reviews given by leading publications
and webmasters.
Related Articles: Exercise Equipment: A Quickie Guide to Purchasing Used Exercise Equipment
Exercise Equipment: Achieve your Fitness Goals with a Kettlebell Workout
Exercise Equipment: Achieving the Best Gym Workout with Circuit Training
Exercise Equipment: Advantages of Free Weights over Exercise Machines
Exercise Equipment: Aerobics Fan? Be Sure You Have These Tools to Work Up a Sweat
Exercise Equipment: All in One Workout Machines - Take It or Leave It?
Exercise Equipment: An effective, and fun, gym workout with circuit training
Exercise Equipment: Avoiding the Scam Factor when Purchasing your Home Gym Equipment
Exercise Equipment: Beneficial Kettlebell Workouts
Exercise Equipment: Beneficial Tools for a great Workout in your Pool
Exercise Equipment: Bicycling Basics for an Overall Workout
Exercise Equipment: Can't Resist this Workout - Resistance Training for a Slimmer You
Exercise Equipment: Choosing an Effective Machine to Work Out Your Abs
Exercise Equipment: Effective Use of Dumbbells
Exercise Equipment: Exercise Accessories - A Guide to Gloves, Mats, Belts and More
Exercise Equipment: Exercise Balls - A Great Tool for your Home Gym Workout
Exercise Equipment: Exercise Bikes are NOT Created Equal - How to Find One Right for You
Exercise Equipment: Exercise Equipment Options for the Disabled
Exercise Equipment: Get Smart about Training with Dumbbells
Exercise Equipment: Get a Lift from Hydraulic Exercise Equipment
Exercise Equipment: Heart Health at Home - Dig Out Your Jump Rope
Exercise Equipment: Helpful Hints on Choosing a Gym that Suits your Fitness Goals
Hit or Miss – Which “As Seen on TV” Exercise Equipment Actually Works
Exercise Equipment: How To Buy Used Exercise Equipment
Exercise Equipment: How Yoga Can Benefit your Exercise Program
Exercise Equipment: Identifying your Exercise Goals Will Lead You to the Right Equipment
Exercise Equipment: Martial Arts Can Strike a Balance Both Physically and Mentally in your Exercise Regiment
Exercise Equipment: Mini-Trampolines - Do They Help or Hurt a Home Exercise Routine?
Exercise Equipment: Need to Lose Weight? Diet and Exercise Go Hand in Hand
Exercise Equipment: Park It - Take Advantage of your Neighborhood Park for Exercise
Exercise Equipment: Personal Fitness Monitoring - Useful Tools for Tracking Progress
Exercise Equipment: Proper Exercise Methods for Utilizing a Medicine Ball
Exercise Equipment: Realize your Fitness Goals at Home without Fancy Equipment
Exercise Equipment: Row your Way to Weight Loss - Benefits of a Rowing Machine
Exercise Equipment: Safety Issues to Address when Starting an Exercise Program
Exercise Equipment: Several Things to Consider when Purchasing a Treadmill
Exercise Equipment: Smart Training with Dumbbells
Exercise Equipment: Stair Climber and Gliders - What These Do for your Workout Routines
Exercise Equipment: Ten Tricks to Sneak in Exercise in your Daily Routine
Exercise Equipment: The Advantage of Using a Personal Trainer at your Gym
Exercise Equipment: The Basics on the Proper Use of a Treadmill
Exercise Equipment: The Benefits of an Elliptical Trainer
Exercise Equipment: The Bowflex Bandwagon - Worth the Hype?
Exercise Equipment: The Importance of your Shoes in Exercising
Exercise Equipment: The Ins and Outs of Rebounding Exercise
Exercise Equipment: The Most Beneficial Equipment for your Cardio Workout
Exercise Equipment: The Most Important Exercise Equipment for your Strength Training Needs
Exercise Equipment: The Must-Haves in Toning Equipment for Women
Exercise Equipment: The Nuances of a Nordic Track
Exercise Equipment: The Power of Pilates - What It Does for your Body
Exercise Equipment: Treading Water - Why Swimming Makes for a Great Workout
What’s a Recumbent Exercise Bike and How It Can Benefit You
Exercise Equipment: Why Treadmills are so Versatile and Fit any Lifestyle
Exercise Equipment: Your Best Home Gym Options for Low Impact Exercise
|
