The most popular is vertical, meaning the platform moves in a uniform motion vertically straight up and down.  There are other names that some companies have developed such as tri-dimensional or cWBV (controlled WBV) but they all boil down to the same type of movement.  The reason this type of equipment is most popular is because it is the one that is best for accelerated training and it has gained the most media in recent years.  Usually vertical machines run anywhere from $5000-$15000.  This equipment is usually very good quality, however more often than not it is made for a gym setting where an athlete will be using it.  Most of the time the vibrations are very strong and in some cases can be uncomfortable for unconditioned users.

The second most popular is oscillating which means the platform moves back in forth, left to right, in a seesaw type movement.  This was the type of technology the Russians originally invented what we know as Whole Body Vibration with.  Oscillating machines are a little less popular due to under exposure but are a great way to get more of an exercise feeling.  Because they lift one leg and then the other it is almost like running in place, just with extremely high repetition.  This type of exercise is best for weight loss because it helps to break up visceral fat and strengthen core muscles.  As we all know the promotion of lean muscle mass helps to burn fat, paired with a high intensity workout like oscillating vibration is a recipe for success.

Finally, the least know type of Whole Body Vibration is called elliptical.  The platform moves in an elliptical motion along the horizontal plane.  Almost like a wobble board but much more challenging to the neuromuscular senses.  These machines are usually the most inexpensive as they are very easy to construct and do not need to be very powerful.  They are best suited for rehabilitating a lower extremity injury along with improving balance especially in elderly.  You will not feel much of the vibration above your waist due to the type of vibration that the machine creates.

Now you should have a better understanding of the main types of Whole Body Vibration and what they are best used for.  This should help in your decision making as you can pair a proper modality with your desired results.

Eventually people started to realize that this would work for all people suffering from low bone mineral density (osteoporosis) and also help build muscle.

The concept is simple.The machine move your body tissue up as your body weight forces things back down.  Basically a rapid acceleration and deceleration of the body and muscle tissues occur.  This is very similar to conventional exercise, the musle tissue is accelerated on the positive motion and decelerated on the negative motion.  The major difference is that with Whole Body Vibration this acceleration/deceleration occurs anywhere from 6 to 50 times a second.  In addition, WBV exercise also recruits 100% of the muscle tissue as apposed to 40% in conventional exercise.

The result is more stimulation in less time, therefor decreasing workouts from 60 minutes to only 10 because the high repetitions fatigue the muscles more quickly.

Whole Body Vibration is gaining more and more popularity as people become aware of the benefits.  Who wouldn’t want to get rid of an hour or two of time used up everyday for exercising in exchange for 10 minutes.  Not only that but now with high quality affordable units on the market from companies like PowerVibe (www.powervibeusa.com) you can now afford to exercise from the comfort of your own home.

In just 1o minutes a day you can get a full body workout.  Most people are at home reading or watching television anyways so why not hop on a WBV machine for 10 minutes and get some exercise.  You will look and feel better and chances are you will also sleep better at night.

Some of the most popular uses for WBV are exercise, muscle toning, weight loss, fighting osteoporosis, and improving lymph drainiage.  Other benefits include improved circulation, reduced stress, increased hormone release including seratonin, and just overall well being.

Think of this as an investment in your life and health.  How much is that worth to you?  Most people spend hoards of money on material things that do not do anything for their health or life.  Why not spend money on your well being and start planning for the future?

To give the quick answer no.

The long answer would be an in depth explanation of the different technologies (the major types being vertical, oscillating, and elliptical) and the best use for each.

Many people ask this question and are actually misguided by much of the advertising done by most of the WBV companies.

The truth is that there are 3 main types and even though they are all considered WBV, each technology has a specific use.  You will see similar results with any type of WBV, however certain equipment will get better results in key areas.  That is a topic which is very detailed on its own and one that I will write about in the future.

To get back to the root of the original question, not all machines are the same.  Many of the expensive machines are made to commercial standards for use in large exercise facilities like Bally’s or 24 Hour Fitness.  While many of the cheaper machines are exactly that, cheap and low quality, many of which come with only a 3-6 month warranty.  The mid range equipment is best for home use and will actually stand up to light commercial use.

The most important criteria to consider when purchasing a Whole Body Vibration machine is to determine what you will be using it for.  Are you planning to have an incredible high volume of traffic such as a gym or workout facility, or do you just want something that is good quality and will stand up to regular use?  If you need a machine for high end usage go with a more expensive model that is made for that type of use, if not, consider something in the mid price range like PowerVibe (www.powervibeusa.com).  PowerVibe manufacturers extremely exception machines at very affordable prices, all under $2000.

Be sure to do some thinking and figure out what you want out of your equipment.  Just like when buying a car you must consider what you need it for.  If you need to haul truckloads of good then a semi is a good choice, however if you need a daily driver that is dependable and reliable then a Toyota Camry is probably your best bet.  You wouldn’t buy a semi for a daily driver to commute to work and back just like you wouldn’t buy Camry if you need to haul large amounts of goods.  This same principle applies when considering a WBV machine.

This should help many of you who are currently looking for a solution to exercising with limited time (as WBV only takes 10 minutes a day) or if you are a Chiropractor looking to enhance your practice.