Whole Body Vibration had its earliest
beginnings with Swedish gymnast, physician, inventor Gustav Zander, and with
Dr. John Kellog back in the early 1900s, with rhythmic neuro-muscular
stimulation. It then found its niche
with the Space Program of the 1960s fighting zero gravity and simulating
weight-bearing loads for the astronauts.
Skip to today, and ithas come into vogue being used for training and
rehabilitation. It is becoming the hottest piece of home gym
equipment, and has been elevated to
celebrity status by personalities such as Madonna, and the Manchester United
Football team.
While most work outs are low impact
and require up to an hour or more of stress-bearing exercise, balance plates
and vibration plates provide rapid oscillating movements that give the quickest
bang for the buck. Whole Body Vibration platforms have motors that can be set at varying speeds, and since the
platform moves so rapidly, it causes the
muscles to expand and contract, and all the body tissues react to the
vibration. A slower speed aids in weight loss, and a higher vibration helps to
tone muscles. Great benefits are that
blood flow increases, oxygen circulates more efficiently, bone density is
increased, and the body detoxifies. The
lymphatic system drains, balance is restored and circulation throughout the
body improves dramatically. It also
lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Think of it as a micro earthquake
within your body. It sends shock waves
to your core improving every aspect of your living and breathing cells. Chiropractors are now using balance and
vibration plates in rehabilitation to strengthen muscles without causing joint
and ligament strain.
Check with your doctor or other
health care provider before embarking on any rigorous form of exercise.