Good Vibrations: New Way To Lose Weight?

The promises are heady and hard for any woman to resist: Weight loss, smoother skin, less cellulite, increased collagen production and a whopping increase in bone density – not to mention stronger muscles.

And all without even breaking a sweat.

The magic that promises to make it happen? Whole Body Vibration or WBV. Also known as Power Platforms, entire centers are springing up nationwide featuring this trendy new way to let the machine do the work while the body reaps the benefits.

Now if it all sounds too good to be true…you’re partly right. Not all of the claims have merit.

But, experts say this new form of working out does have some value –with at least some research showing it can accomplish at least a few of it’s claims.

“ It can’t do everything it claims, but it does have an important effect on muscle strength and it can help increase circulation, particularly in those who can’t participate in other forms of exercise, “ says Ben Quist, a physical therapist, and owner of the Milwaukee training center Form and Fitness.

WBV works, says Quist by using vibrations to trick the body into thinking you are falling. When your muscles respond – by trying to stabilize you - the conditioning begins. Quist says most people stand on the platform with knees bent at about a 30 degree angle, while underneath vibrations occur at an astounding 30 times per second!

“It’s all about rapid muscle contraction, which is actually what’s happening – your muscles are responding to the sensation that you are falling by working to stabilize you and that’s where the benefits lie, “ says Quist.

For women, WBV may even offer more benefits, with studies indicating the vibratory activity acts much like a weight bearing exercise, putting pressure on bone and helping to increase bone mineral density.

In one study of 90 postmenopausal women published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research in 2004, researchers noted a 1.5% increase in hipbone density and increased muscle strength among those using the vibrating platforms 3 times a week for six months.

“At our gym one of the primary uses for these platforms, by women, is to increase bone density – and it really does seem to work,” says Quist.

Additionally, experts say it can be a terrific way for those with limited mobility to exercise their muscles, such as patients with MS, Parkinson’s or some forms of arthritis.

One study published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society noted that seniors unable to participate in traditional exercise were able to experience muscle strengthening and speed-of-movement benefits from working out on vibrating platforms.

Bad Vibrations: What You Should Know

First and foremost, working out on a WBV is not quite as easy as it sounds. In fact, even seasoned athletes find that initially they can’t take more than 15 minutes of the rapid activity at a time. Most folks, says Quist, can tolerate 3 to 5 minutes and then have to get off and rest before continuing.

So, even the results that are possible are going to take a while to achieve.

Next, claims of weight loss, effects on cellulite, and smoother skin all seem highly exaggerated.

“There is really no credible science here,” says Quist.

Dr. Cedric Bryant, president of the American Council on Exercise, agrees.
“WBV can cause muscle contractions, and we assume that increases tone, strength and stability, but we don’t have long term studies showing this is true – and at the moment the media hype is definitely outpacing the science,” says Cedric Bryant, PhD, president of the American Council on Exercise

Rusty Varlotta, MD, a physical therapist at the Rusk Rehabilitation Center at NYU –Langone Medical Center in New York City remains totally unconvinced it can- or should – replace conventional exercise, particularly for women looking to increase bone density.

Says Varlotta: " We know that walking two miles a day is an effective way to build bone – and I think it's okay to use this equipment as an adjunct to your normal exercise routines, but to rely on it solely, we’re not there yet.”

The bottom line: If you want to give whole body vibration a try, it can’t hurt. But for the moment, use to augment, not replace more traditional forms of exercise, including some heart-healthy aerobic activity, and plain old walking!

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