Vibration plates are going viral, but are they worth the money?

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We’ll admit it — we’re just as susceptible to a new trending product as the next person. When a food, technology, or workout trend has folks rushing to get their hands on something new, consider our interest equally piqued. With the rise of social media and TikTok specifically garnering tons of interest in the last few years, it’s more common than ever for something new to catch the public’s eye and quickly go viral. Not all of these viral products are worth the money or excitement that you see online, but every now and again, there are certain ones that leave us curious. If you’ve seen the hype about vibration plates lately, we’re here to hopefully give you a bit more insight into the growing popularity of the at-home fitness device.

Although they’ve been increasingly appearing at retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target, there is still some speculation about whether they do what folks say they do. Positioned as a workout device, one of the biggest claims people make here is that the vibration plate can be used as a weight loss tool, and we’re here to tell you that, although they can be useful tools, that statement alone is a bit misleading. Vibration plates, also known as whole-body vibration machines, use rapid oscillations to stimulate your muscles, which has its benefits, but it won’t directly contribute to weight loss. So, to answer the question of whether these devices are worth it, it depends on your goals. If you want to strengthen your core and overall balance, or want to help your muscles recover after a workout, then yes, it’s worth the money. But if you’re expecting it to be your ticket to losing weight, then you might be disappointed. 

What are the benefits?

Although there’s not a lot of research on them yet, emerging studies are showing that vibration plates can help reduce back pain, improve strength and balance in older adults, and reduce bone loss. But they don’t replicate regular exercise and shouldn’t be used to replace a workout, either. Basically, they are meant to be used in addition to exercise as a recovery or additional strength tool. According to the Mayo Clinic, whole-body vibration may help improve muscle strength, and a quick, 15-minute session three times a week could improve flexibility, enhance blood flow, reduce muscle soreness, and build strength. 

This is to say that although more research is certainly needed to further elaborate on the benefits of vibration and vibration plates, especially with long-term use, there’s sufficient thought now that overall, they can be a positive addition to your life. And because they require only small, incremental sessions to be effective, you can easily incorporate them into your daily life, whether that’s before you take a shower, after a workout, or while you’re enjoying winding down at night before bed. You should always consult your doctor when trying something new, but for folks who have seen the trending vibration plates and want to know about choosing the right one, here’s what we can tell you. 

Basic vibration plates

Most vibration plates resemble the step-up platforms you’d see during the ’80s aerobic craze. The majority of them can withstand weights between 300 and 500 pounds, and they’re fairly compact in size, although there are some models that are specifically designed for smaller spaces and easy storage. Most vibration plates work by sending rapid oscillations up through the body, forcing your muscles to contract and relax dozens of times while your body is focused on remaining balanced. There are three different types of motion with these machines. Oscillating, or pivotal, tilts up and down like a seesaw. Linear, or vertical, moves straight up and down along a vertical axis. Multidirectional, or 3D, moves in several directions simultaneously. Instead of doing all three, most vibration plates are engineered to focus on just one or two types. 

Because it can be difficult to balance on them, there are models that have built-in handles or bars to help keep you steady and feel more secure when you’re using them. Although you’re more than welcome to simply stand as the plate moves, many folks do workouts while it’s on to get the most out of the vibration. In fact, many vibration plates come with accessories like resistance or loop bands and areas for you to hook them on, so you can use them for arm workouts. Some folks even use the plate underneath their hands in plank form to make things more difficult and help engage the core. Many operate via a remote control, often one that’s designed as a wearable watch band, so you can easily adjust it without needing to bend down. With the control, you can customize movement type, frequencies, amplitude, and set timers. 

Axv Vibration Plate

Lifepro Waver Full-Body Vibration Plate Exercise Machine

Linux LX18 Vibration Plate With Handles

Multi-functional vibration plates

Multi-functional products are great ways to make the most out of your money, and who doesn’t appreciate that? While most vibration plates have similar speeds, styles, and features, there are certain ones that offer far more than just vibration. Many are multi-purpose machines that double as a walking pad or treadmill, or have smart app integration to sync via Bluetooth with fitness apps on your phones or watches. Others provide special Shiatsu acupressure massage to be used without shoes, which, according to the National Library of Medicine, has been shown to help in blood circulation, improve sleep quality, and relieve tension in increasing studies. 

There are other options that include red light therapy. Red light therapy, another trending technology, uses low-level wavelengths of red light to stimulate cellular energy in the mitochondria, and although you might be doubtful, studies at the Cleveland Clinic have found it to be an emerging treatment showing great promise in treating wrinkles, redness, acne, scars, and other signs of aging. Naturally, with these extra features, you can expect a higher price tag compared to the more basic models, but with that, you’re also getting more out of your vibration plate.

Eilison FitMaxx 3DXL Vibration Plate

Simpfree Walking Vibration Pad

REVO Wave Board with Red Light Therapy

Is a vibration plate worth it?

Vibration plates aren’t a necessity by any means, especially if you’re already constricted by a budget, but for folks who work out a lot and want a way to actively help their muscles recover without paying for a yoga class, a vibration plate might be the perfect purchase. Although we’d certainly like to see more research and studies about long-term use and benefits, the early results are very promising, and if feedback from shoppers on social media is any indication, vibration plates are a welcome addition to many folks’ daily routines. 

TheStreet Shopping is your guide for shopping insights and advice. We look beyond the price tag to find the best value in home, tech, and wellness gear based on product features and real-world use.

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