Chi Machine FAQ

Chi machine FAQ or frequently asked questions about chi machines, reviewed elsewhere on this site, provide insight into these machines. Also, use with chi machine buyers guide to find best one for your needs.

Q. What do you get from the chi exerciser?

A. Chi exercisers can help you in the following ways.

Better Circulation

First, low speeds improve blood flow through the lower half of the body, while higher speeds improve blood flow through the upper half.

Consequently, oxygen levels increase, which helps to oxygenate the spinal column and body.

Also, it helps decrease blood pressure.

In addition, oxygen intake by the cells increases to promote cell repair.

Better Lymphatic System

Next, the chi exerciser stimulates the lymphatic system, which is responsible for clearing excess fluids from the body. Indeed, research has shown that chi swing devices are an effective at-home adjunct therapy for patients who have experienced a decline in their lymphatic system (condition referred to as lymphoedema). Furthermore, this condition can develop alongside other health problems and cause a buildup of fluids, usually in the legs and feet.

In addition, low speed increases elimination of toxins from the lower half of the body, while high speeds eliminate them from the upper half.

Also, the improved lymphatic flow is beneficial to the immune system, thereby increasing the body's ability to fight off infection and repair damaged cells.

Others

Moreover, you get better, more restful sleep.

Also, it rejuvenates and increases your energy.

And, the chi exerciser restores energy lost from fibromyalgia or lyme’s disease.

Furthermore, it stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, spinal column, and vertebrae to relieve back, neck and shoulder pain, muscle pain, and neuralgia.

Next, it passively exercises and stretches back muscles.

In addition, it realigns the spine.

And, it relaxes muscles, including back muscles, by giving them a soothing massage.

Also, it relieves stress by relaxing the spine and nervous system.

Furthermore, it improves overall health and physiological function.

Next, by increasing your metabolism it helps you lose weight.

And, used before a workout, it loosens muscles making it easier for you to exercise.

Also, it improves and maximizes your athletic performance.

Next, it loosens tight hips and spine.

In addition, it reduces leg swelling and swollen ankles.

Also, it provides a feeling of calmness and relaxation.

And, it helps achieve a state of deep relaxation and overall revitalization.

Most of all, the agitation helps constipation and improves the ability to digest food.

Finally, people with disabling injuries, chronic pain, or inability to exercise can use the machine as a substitute for exercise.

Q. What do studies show about benefits from chi machines?

A. In a study, 145 yoga teachers and other health workers used the Surge of Chi Exerciser for 30 days. At the end of the study, 76 percent reported:

First, a decrease in tension.

Also, improvements in back, neck, and shoulders.

Next, an increase in your energy.

Also, improved relaxation.

In addition, an increase in general mobility and flexibility.

Also, a reduction in pain and discomfort.

Finally, improvements in sleep patterns.

Next, 70 percent reported the following mental health benefits:

First, an increased clarity of thought and alertness.

Next, an improved ability to cope with stress.

Also, improved focus and concentration.

In addition, a calmer mind.

And, a more positive outlook.

Lastly, 50 percent reported the following emotional benefits:

First, an improved emotional balance and stability.

Next, an increased sense of well-being.

Finally, feeling calmer and less stressed.

Q. What do studies show about the machine's speed?

A. While the available speed of the machine ranged from 80 to 160 swings per minute, the average top speed used was 135 swings per minute. Also, most participants preferred the slower speeds when they used the machine in manual mode. In addition, most reported it’s important to start with a slower speed. Furthermore, they reported slower speeds were better to get relaxed while the higher speeds were good for getting energized.

Q. How effective is the chi machine?

A. Now, it is reported that research shows using the machine for five minutes gives you, in terms of calories burned, the same benefits as walking one mile.

Meanwhile, a 2015 study compared the effectiveness of passive and active motion exercise among elderly nursing home residents. Indeed, the study found both passive and active exercise are similarly effective in improving functional fitness of these residents.

Furthermore, another study found that passive leg movements have the capacity to induce muscular activity in the lower limbs. Incidentally, this electrical activity was measured using electromyographic techniques. In addition, the study found passive leg movements enhances oxygen metabolism in the lower limb muscles.

Next, a study appeared on page 1,821 in the September 2016 edition of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise.  And, this study reported that passive exercise, such as using the motor driven pedal helps. In fact, passive exercise helps by burning extra calories, lowering blood sugar, and insulin levels in inactive people. Consequently, by simply having their legs moved by motorized exercisers, the insulin sensitivity of inactive people increased after eating. In fact, this occurred because blood sugar rises were reduced after eating.

Q. When should you use the chi machine?

A. You may be able to use the chi machine for the following situations.

Use it to Treat Lymphedema

Now, a significant proportion of those who survive lower torso cancer treatments end up developing lymphedema in the lower legs.  By the way, lymphedema is fluid retention in the lower legs. Moreover, studies have shown that a three-week treatment with a chi machine, resulted in statistically significant reductions in total leg volume, leg fluids, whole body extracellular fluids, weight and subjective leg symptoms. Consequently, using chi machines allows you to reduce fluid retention in the home instead of having to go to outpatient clinics or hospitals.

Use it for Fluid Retention and Poor Blood Circulation

Meanwhile, others with a tendency to accumulate fluids in the legs, or have poor blood circulation in the legs, can get similar benefits from chi machines.

Use it for Losing Weight

Next, manufacturers claim that using chi machines for 15 minutes is equivalent to a brisk walk for 90 minutes. Moreover, you don’t have to sweat, and do in 15 minutes what it would otherwise take 90 minutes.

Use it for Back Pain

Also, manufacturers claim chi machines can bring relief to back pain and improve spinal alignment because vibrating the spine relieves pressure and reduces misalignment.

Use it for Getting Good Sleep

In addition, chi machines can be used to get good sleep. In fact, using it for 20 minutes just before bed, may help you fall asleep. However, to get the most success using this machine, you should have a good sleep hygiene, such as avoiding caffeine after 2 in the afternoon.

Other Uses

Finally, chi machines may help with stress, bad posture, and headaches.

Q. When shouldn't you use this machine?

A. You shouldn't use chi machines in the following situations.

First, during pregnancy.

Second, less than 3 months after major surgery or bone fracture.

Third, if you have serious heart disease.

Fourth, you have serious infection.

Fifth, if you have bleeding injuries.

Also, if you have epilepsy.

In addition, chi machines should not be used within 30 minutes of eating - longer for large meals.

Furthermore, if severe pain occurs during its use, this should be properly investigated before continuing.

Meanwhile, temporary tiredness and headaches can result from the release of toxins from the tissues. Consequently, should these symptoms occur, reduce the time and be sure to drink plenty of water.

Finally, if you experience mild discomfort, nausea or dizziness during use, simply reduce the time to one or two minutes only and then increase again slowly. Also, for dizziness, a small pillow can be placed under the head until the problem resolves.

Q. How often and how long should you use this machine?

A. First, start by using the machine for 30 seconds. And, you can use it four to six times day. Then, after every week of use increase the duration by 30 seconds. Meanwhile, listening to soothing music improves its effectiveness.

Q. How do you use this machine?

A. See the video and the illustration below to see how to use this machine.

Vibration Plate Buyers Guide

Contains vibration plate buyers guide that is used in conjunction with vibration plate FAQ to find the best vibration plate, 3D vibration plate, or 4D vibration plate for you.

Background

First and foremost, there are two types of vibration platform machines: one with handrails or column and the other without.  Now, machines with handrails have a raised console. Also, the handrails help older adults, the elderly and others with balance issues, to maintain balance. In addition, the raised console enables the user to easily see the display

Meanwhile, vibration plates, which are machines without handrails, are easy to move around and store. Also, since they are open, you are able to do exercises that you couldn’t on machines with handrails. However, it may be hard to see the display when you are standing on a plate. On the other hand, those with balance issues can position these plates next to a table, chair or some other fixed support to help you with balance.

Acceleration

First, linear vibrations are heavily impacted by acceleration.  By the way, acceleration is measured in units of gravity.  And, the greater the acceleration, the more gravity becomes a factor in causing your body to work harder. 

However, it is medically documented that extremely high G-Forces are not good for the body. In fact, there is plenty of evidence that relatively high peak G-Force levels can be severely damaging if they are at the resonant frequency of your organs and connective tissues. Moreover, these high G-Forces can lead to irreversible damage to soft tissue, possibly harm kidneys, damage joints, cause brain injury, and detach retinas. Lastly, there is even a chance of fatality.

Therefore, it is important to use a vibration plate capable of delivering only between 2 to 4 G forces. By the way, most average people may find a 5 G force challenging.

Accessories

Second, vibration plates with resistance bands or straps allow you to get an upper body workout.  Also, some machines have the option of adding mats on top of the plate to reduce the intensity of a workout.  By the way, these mats may be useful for beginners. 

Amplitude

Third, amplitude is the distance a plate travels from either the lowest position to the highest position for vertical vibrations, one side to another for lateral vibrations, and from the back to the front also for lateral vibrations.  Also, amplitude is measured in millimeters. And, typically, amplitude ranges from one to ten millimeters.  For example, an amplitude of 3 millimeters means the plate moves 3 millimeters from one position to the other.  Moreover, the higher the amplitude the more intense the workout.

Furthermore, on a side to side, teeter totter, see-saw like oscillating platform, there is one way to adjust the amplitude. And, that is to move your feet closer to or further away from the center or fulcrum of the platform. Indeed, the further away your feet are from the center, the higher the amplitude and stronger the impact.

Display

Fourth, a LED display allows you to track your workout time, vibration speed, heart rate, and calories expended.

Frequency

Fifth, frequency of vibration, is the rate at which the plates move side to side, back and forth, or up and down. Incidentally, frequency is measured in Hertz. So, a 60 hertz plate will move side to side or up and down 60 times in one second. By and large, a plate typically vibrates at a frequency of 15 to 70 hertz.

Firstly, a frequency of 40Hz for the ankles.

Secondly, a frequency of 25 Hz for the knees.

Thirdly, a frequency of 20 Hz for the hips.

Lastly, a frequency of 10 Hz for the spine.

Motor Capacity

Next, a motor with higher horsepower or watts means it can handle heavier users. Also, it can deliver power to vibrate a plate with greater amplitude, more G forces, and higher frequencies.

In addition, a high capacity motor is also quieter than a smaller one because it doesn’t have to work so hard to deliver power.  By the way, motors used in whole body vibration machines usually range from 300 to 2200 watts (0.4 to 3 HP).

Also, some plates have more than one motor. Consequently, the vibration machine can provide multiple types of movements.  For example, it can provide both up-and-down seesaw oscillations as well as up-and-down linear vibrations. As a result, you get the benefits of both types of vibrations.

Noise

Next, look for a whole body vibration machine that runs quietly. Noisy machines can not only make your experience suffer, but also disturb others around you.

Plate Size

Also, a large vibrating plate provides added space which allows for a greater range of exercises to be performed.  But a large platform also negatively effects the acceleration and frequency.  Lastly, a large plate requires a larger motor to operate properly.

Plate Surface

In addition, plates come in two shapes. The standing surface is either flat or it is curved. Now, a curved surface widens your stance. Consequently, you maximize your contact and your body gets the most benefits from the vibrations.

Programs

By and large, vibration plates usually come with their own workout programs.  Moreover, these are specifically designed workouts that control the machine and automatically alter the settings. Consequently, they save you the effort of having to press buttons.

Remote Control

Most of all, a remote control offers a convenient way to adjust vibration parameters like speed, amplitude, workout time, and preset programs. Incidentally, a remote control is necessary for vibration plates.

Speed

Now, the speed determines the intensity of your oscillating workout. By the way, the higher the speed setting, the less you benefit from it.  So, if you are a beginner or if you want a massage, the speed settings should be in the higher ranges.  Meanwhile, if you are an intermediate user, the speed setting should be in the middle range. Lastly, if you are an advanced user, the speed setting should be in the lower ranges. Indeed, the lower speed setting works the muscles and the body.

By the way, speeds less than ten are best for lymphatic drainage.

Vibrations

Most of all, plates can deliver several types of vibrations, including up-and-down seesaw or teeter totter oscillations, up-and-down linear vibrations, side-to-side linear vibrations, and back-and-forth linear vibrations.

Now, in a up-and-down seesaw or teeter totter oscillation the plate seesaws up-and-down by pivoting around a central point, which closely mimics a walking motion: with one foot rising and the other falling. Meanwhile, in a side-to-side linear vibration the body moves linearly side to side. Incidentally, pivotal oscillations are characterized by their speed or frequency, amplitude, and somewhat by acceleration.

Next, linear vibrations make the plate move up-and-down vertically, back-and-forth laterally, or side-to-side laterally along a single dimension or axis.  Moreover, up-and-down linear vibrations have a higher impact because both sides of your body go up and down simultaneously. Meanwhile, linear vibrations are characterized by their frequency, amplitude, and acceleration.

3D Vibration Plates

3D vibration plates provide two concurrent movements or vibrations. Some of them are listed below.

up-and-down seesaw oscillations

up-and-down linear vibrations

side-to-side linear vibrations

back-and-forth linear or pulse vibrations

4D Vibration Plates

4D vibration plates provide three concurrent movements or vibrations. Some of them are listed below.

up-and-down seesaw oscillations

up-and-down linear vibrations

side-to-side linear vibrations

back-and-forth linear or pulse vibrations

Warranty

Incidentally, low end vibration plates may not come with any warranty.  While, some may come with a one-year warranty. And, others, may even come with a lifetime warranty.

Weight Capacity

Finally, it’s important to select vibration plates that can support your weight. If they can’t the motor gets overloaded. Consequently, it may fail sooner than designed.

Vibration Platform Machine Buyers Guide

Vibration platform machine buyers guide for vibration platform machines with handrails helps you understand what to look for in these machines. Also, this vibration platform machine buyers guide is used in conjunction with vibration platform machine frequently asked questions to provide additional insight.

Acceleration

First, lineal vibrations are heavily impacted by acceleration.  Incidentally, acceleration is measured in units of gravity.  And, the greater the acceleration, the more gravity becomes a factor in causing your body to work harder. 

By the way, it is medically documented that extremely high G-Forces are not good for the body. In fact, there is plenty of evidence that relatively high peak G-Force levels can be severely damaging if they are at the resonant frequency of your organs and connective tissues. Also, these high G-Forces can lead to irreversible damage to soft tissue, possibly harm kidneys, damage joints, cause brain injury, and detach retinas. Lastly, there is even a chance of fatality.

Therefore, it is important to use a vibration machine capable of delivering only between 2 to 4 G-Force. Incidentally, most average people may find a 5 G-Force challenging.

Accessories

Second, vibration machines with resistance bands or straps allow you to get an upper body workout.  Also, some machines have the option of adding mats on top of the vibrating platform to reduce the intensity of a workout.  By the way, these mats may be useful for beginners. Lastly, some machines have connectivity features like MP3, USB, Bluetooth, others.

Amplitude

Third, amplitude is the distance the platform travels from its lowest position to its highest position.  Meanwhile, amplitude is measured in millimeters. And, typically, amplitude ranges from one to ten millimeters.  For example, an amplitude of 3 millimeters means the platform moves 3 millimeters from one position to the other.  Also, the higher the amplitude the more intense the workout.

Furthermore, on a side to side oscillating platform, there is one way to adjust the amplitude. And, that is to move your feet closer to or further away from the center or fulcrum of the platform. Indeed, the further away your feet are from the center, the higher the amplitude and stronger the impact.

Display

Fourth, a LED display allows you to track your workout time, vibration speed, heart rate, and calories expended.

Frequency

Fifth, frequency is the rate at which the platform moves side to side or teeter totter as in a seesaw, up and down vertically, or side to side horizontally. Incidentally, frequency is measured in Hertz. So, a 60 hertz platform will move side to side or up and down 60 times in one second. By and large, a platform typically vibrates at a frequency of 15 to 70 hertz.

Now, lineal platforms typically move up and down at frequencies in the 30 – 70 hertz range. While pivotal platforms typically move side to side at frequencies in the 5 to 30 hertz range. Incidentally, a frequency range of 4-12 hertz is great for recovering from injuries, toning muscles, and losing a few pounds.

Handrails or Column

Next, there are two types of vibration platform machines: one with handrails or column and the other without.  Now, machines with handrails have a raised console. Most of all, the handrails help older adults, the elderly, those with limited mobility, and others with balance issues, to support themselves and maintain balance. In addition, since they are standing on the platform, the raised console enables the user to easily do the following.

First, easily see the display.

Second, start or stop the machine.

Third, change the speed.

Fourth, change the workout program.

Finally, view the heart rate, speed, and time spent on the machine.

On the other hand, if they were using a platform without a raised console or a remote controller, they would have to bend over to use the console. 

Next, machines with handrails allow you to do workouts such as squats and many others where holding the handrails help you maintain balance. However, machines with handrails are, generally, not convenient to easily move. So, they are used in a relatively fixed desirable location.

Motor Capacity

Now, a motor with higher horsepower or watts means it can be used by heavier users. Also, it can deliver power to vibrate a platform with greater amplitude, generate more G-Forces, and higher frequencies.

In addition, a high capacity motor is also quieter than a smaller one because it doesn’t have to work so hard to deliver power.  By the way, motors used in whole body vibration machines usually range from 300 to 2200 watts (0.4 to 3 HP).

Furthermore, some machines have more than one motor. Consequently, the vibration machine can provide multiple types of movements. For example, it can provide both pivotal or side to side oscillations as well as lineal or up/down vibrations. As a result, you get the benefits of both types of vibrations.

Noise

Next, look for a whole body vibration machine that runs quietly. Noisy machines, can, not only make your experience suffer, but also disturb others around you.

Platform Size

Meanwhile, a large vibrating platform provides added space which allows for a greater range of exercises to be performed.  But, a large platform also negatively effects the acceleration and frequency.  Lastly, a large platform requires a larger motor to operate properly.

Programs

By and large, vibration platform machines usually come with their own workout programs.  Moreover, these are specifically designed workouts that control the machine and automatically alter the settings. Consequently, they save you the effort of having to press buttons.

Remote Control

Now, a remote control offers a convenient way to adjust vibration parameters like speed, amplitude, workout time, and preset programs. Incidentally, a remote control is not necessary for vibration machines with handrails.

Speed

Next, the speed also determines the intensity of your workout. By the way, the higher the speed setting, the less you benefit from it.  So, if you are a beginner or if you want a massage, the speed settings should be in the higher ranges.  Meanwhile, if you are an intermediate user, the speed setting should be in the middle range. Lastly, if you are an advanced user, the speed setting should be in the lower ranges. Indeed, the lower speed setting is better for exercising muscles and body.

By the way, speeds less than ten are best for lymphatic drainage.

Vibrations

Most of all, vibration platform machines can deliver several types of vibrations, including pivotal or teeter totter and lineal or up and down or horizontally.

Now, pivotal platforms pivot around a central point, which closely mimics a walking motion: with one foot rising and the other falling.  Moreover, the body moves side to side. Meanwhile, pivotal oscillations are characterized by their frequency, amplitude, and somewhat by acceleration.

Lastly, lineal platforms make the platform vibrate in one direction: either vertically or horizontally.  Moreover, lineal machines have a higher impact because both sides of your body go up and down or side to side simultaneously. Meanwhile, lineal vibrations are characterized by their frequency, amplitude, and acceleration.

Warranty

Next, low end vibration platform machines may not come with any warranty.  While, some may come with a one-year warranty.  And, others, may even come with a lifetime warranty.

Weight Capacity

Finally, it’s important to select vibration platform machines that can support your weight. If they can’t the motor gets overloaded. Consequently, it may not work as long as one which is not overloaded. Incidentally, machines with higher horse power (or HP) generally support higher weight and vice versa.