Vibrating workouts

You know what one of the best feelings is?  Waking up and actually feeling refreshed…even better when that day falls on a Monday!  Fortunately a spa day on Sunday at Taj Wellington Mews combined with a quality night of sleep that night gave me the R& R needed.  I’ve mentioned the Taj Wellington Mews’ outstanding service before and I have to do it again.  Massages there might cost 6 x more than ordinary massages in India, but they are absolutely worth it!

The root of my exhaustion
The root of my exhaustion

Fortunately that renewed energy lasted me all day, including during my workout.  Along with the regular cardio & weight training equipment, my gym also has a separate area with a Vibro Trainer Machine.  I signed up for a trial session for the sake of variety.  I know I know– I’m a little late to the party given how popular the Power Plate machine was some years back.  Anyway I had no idea what to expect other than the workouts:

  1. Involved a vibrating plate
  2. Were efficient

From what I understand, these machines create vibrations from the feet upward and distribute the energy across the whole body.  In response to these vibrations, the muscle fibers have to contract & relax faster than voluntary movements alone.  Along with cutting down overall workout time, other “promises” include quicker fat loss, improved motion and stability and enhanced blood flow.  I’m always a bit weary about machines/equipment that make inflated claims, especially in relation to traditional exercise.  I’ve owned a pair of Fit Flops for about 4 years now and I definitely don’t find them toning my legs any more than my trainers.

Powerplate

Source

After the personal trainer outlined the basics, we did 2 rounds of the following circuit on the vibrating platform:

  • Quick step-ups
  • Squats
  • Push-ups
  • Knee-ups
  • Crunches
  • Leg lifts
  • Bridge Lift
  • Step-ups with dumbbell bicep curls
  • Step-up with dumbbell tricep extensions
  • Plank

I actually really enjoyed the workout.  The vibrating sensations were initially a bit weird, but I got used it after a few exercises.  We finished the workout within  35 minutes, including recovery time. As for the claims, I wouldn’t say it’s “better” than good ol’ fashioned running or weight training…at all.  However any workout that gets my heart rate up to an elevated level sounds effective me.  I especially liked that most of the exercises relied on my body weight.  As my current strength training routine involves a mix of dumbbells & machines, this kind of workout could be a good alternative for when my workout mojo starts to dwindle.

Have you ever tried working out on a vibrating machine? What’s your take?

What’s your workout today (or yesterday)? Rest day for me!

30 thoughts on “Vibrating workouts”

  1. I’ve seen those vibrating machines before but thanks to all those informercials, I’ve always thought them to be some fad- its great to see you try it out and leave it as an option when the fitness wall hits! Todays workout was a rest day too!

  2. I have one at my gym but I’ve never tried it! Next time I spot a trainer I’m going to ask him to show me how it works…might be a while since I’m on an extended rest day thanks to injuries but excited to try this out once I’m back!

  3. Nope unfortunately, I have never used one of these machines – but my curiosity has been piqued in a major way! With my co-ordination though, I might be thrown off when I step onto it?!?! YIKES!
    Nothing like a good night of sleep to help recovery 🙂
    Today morning was P90X Legs & Back and I was taking a week off running, but think an evening run is calling my name

  4. I’ve never heard about these machines before! Interesting… it seems like it’d be a really weird sensation!
    My workout yesterday was an awesome vinyasa yoga class. I’m not sure about today. Maybe just a walk outdoors since it’s supposed to be nice out!

  5. Those looks so interesting! I haven’t tried doing a workout on one of those machines, but my brother’s gym has one of those high-powered ones that you just stand on. When I tried it for the first time I had it at full power, which maybe wasn’t the smartest idea ever :-p It felt so weird!

  6. So jealous of your spa day! Why wasn’t I invited to come along? 😉
    I honestly had never even heard of those machines before!! So this was a very interesting post to me. I feel like the vibrating would seem odd at first, but I would probably get used to it like you did. I definitely think they would be fun to try! They sound like they would be a great alternative workout every once in a while as you mentioned. Thank you for enlightening me on what’s going on in the workout world 😉

  7. I would have been too intimidated to even try that workout! Good for you for giving it a chance!

    I am participating in Best Body Bootcamp, so today’s workout was a full body strength circuit and 25 minute of power walking (ie. looking like the biggest dork on the treadmill)! You really need to join in the next round of BBB. I really really think you would love it!

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