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What should I look for in a vibration machine? - A buyer's guideCompare Vibration Plate Training Machines If you’ve been swayed by all the positive press on vibration plate training and are considering purchasing your a machine, take some time to consider exactly what you are spending your money on; there is a variety of machines out there, but they by no means offer the same benefits so a bit of research and comparison is vital. Vibration plate machines range dramatically in price from £99 to more than £6,000 for top of the range professional models. The more serious home user tends to ignore the lower priced models and opt for something in the bracket of around £1,000-£1,500; but there are still many to choose from. So what is the difference and what should you look for in a vibration machine?
Quality Firstly, don’t opt for lightweight plastic or tubular models because they move when in use and some have even been known to topple over. This movement puts a strain on the parts, loosening fixings and causing premature expiry. Movement could also have a negative effect on you as a user, causing unnecessary shake. This is because the movement induced to the user is not exactly that of the plate - rather it is the interference pattern produced by the combination of the plate movement + machine movement. Therefore a stable machine, and one whose structure is built purposely in harmony with the plate rather than for aesthetics, is critically important.
Different Types of Whole Body Vibration Equipment There are two main different types of vibration platforms: oscillating (pivotal) and vertical (linear). The differences between the two are quite distinct and are explained in our page "What are the different types of vibration machine".
Customer Support Make sure the company you buy your vibration exercise machine from offers a good warranty and high level of support. Additionally look for a company that offers free delivery and free installation - better that a professional assembles a machine that ultimately you are going to rely on for your ongoing health and fitness. The warranty should be as long as possible; look for a warranty that lasts more than one year and check the costs involved in claims because some companies may expect you to return the machine at your own expense for repair, which of course would be extremely costly as these things are heavy. Does the warranty cover labour costs, or just parts? Make sure the warranty is in your favour and designed to protect you.
Maximum user weight The higher the maximum user weight, the more sturdy your vibration exercise machine; it’s as simple as that. Lower maximum weight means weaker bearings. If a machine wears down it may operate at a lower frequency then indicated, and in the case of linear vibrating machines low frequencies can be harmful.
Motor power This is a guidline to the durability and even performance of the machine over the long term. Also, low motor power can indicate that the machine offers little room for progression as you may find yourself exercising at the maximum speed very easily - leaving you wanting more. How often do you reach the maximum speed/weight with commercial gym equipment?
Frequency range The greater the control you have over the frequency of the vibrations, the better. Making progress with exercise over a period of time is vital and is best done over a series of finely graduated steps rather than a limited number of settings. Check the control you have over the frequency settings before you invest. Machines commonly offer 'levels' instead of actual frequencies. Not only does this limit you to say, 20 levels, but also you won't know what frequency you are working at. Better that you know the frequency and can make minute adjustments - e.g. in 0.1Hz increments.
Flexibility of Programme Times Some models have limited programme times, for example only offering short bursts up to 1 minute. This is because you should not spend a long period of time on a vibration training machine in certain poses. However, such poses are usually done in succession, so if permitted longer programme durations you can move from one pose to another without having to keep re-configuring and re-starting the machine each time. Longer programme durations is also an indication that the machine is safe to use for longer periods of time, e.g. with oscillating equipment. This style of exercise suits more people as you can simply stand on the machine, which requires less motivation than practising a series of exercises.
Summary Take your time to consider the benefits offered by the various vibration machines before you make your investment and ask questions of the suppliers of the machines that take your interest; any worth their salt will be only too glad to help. |
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