“Nothing happens until something moves” Albert Einstein
I was speaking at a conference last week and was asked whether vibration platforms were a useful training device. I’m sure you have seen or heard about these. They are a small platform you can stand on that vibrates. The theory is that the vibration stimulates the muscles and bones so you get more muscle and bone growth.
Do they work?
The research certainly supports their use. Subjects who exercised on them had greater gains in muscle tissue and bone density was improved when compared to subjects who did the same exercise on a normal surface.
Are they worth the money?
Any exercise equipment is worth it if it gets used. Unfortunately most home gym equipment never gets used so it is a waste. I would only recommend spending money on exercise equipment like a home gym or vibration platform if you are already exercising and want it to add variety or enhance what you are doing. Don’t buy it in the hope that it will make exercising easier or that you will get results without any effort.
Can you get benefits just standing on it?
Possibly, but nowhere near the benefits you’ll get by moving! Whether you are standing on a vibration platform or not, you won’t get fitness benefits if you aren’t doing anything. It’s a bit like the scams that try to sell electrodes to attach to your abdominal muscles claiming that you’ll get a six pack while you sleep. If the muscles aren’t working and you aren’t breathing hard, then it isn’t exercise and you won’t be getting fitter. It’s a bit like studying for exams. If you aren’t concentrating and your brain doesn’t have to work, you aren’t learning anything! (If you’re preparing for exams at the moment you might want to re-read that last sentence.) And god luck!
You have to move
As Albert Einstein says, “nothing happens until something moves.” Having expensive exercise equipment won’t make you any fitter if you don’t use it and work hard enough to get your heart rate up and your breathing heavier. The benefit of good equipment is that it can make the exercise more enjoyable. It’s why many cyclists spend lots to money on a bike. They get to go faster and therefore enjoy it more, but it doesn’t necessarily make them fitter.
Should you spend money on exercise equipment?If it means you are more likely to exercise, because it makes it more convenient or enjoyable, then absolutely. If you are thinking that by buying some equipment it will make getting fit easier and you won’t have to do the work, don’t waste your money.
