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.