Do You Vibe? Benefits of Whole Body Vibration

Shaking things up can be good, especially when it comes to whole body vibration. You will see a lot of people around here taking advantage of the benefits of whole body vibration. They might get strange looks sometimes as they stand on the vibe plate but there are numerous advantages to taking some time to shake things up. I like it because it helps with spinal correction and supports overall wellness, but it doesn’t end there!

What is a Vibe Plate?

I'm glad you asked! You don’t want to miss out on the benefits of the vibe plate just because you didn’t know how beneficial it is. A vibe plate is a vibrating platform that causes your muscles to contract and relax dozens of times each second in response to the vibration.

The vibration activates the muscle, circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems, offering many of the benefits of regular exercise. This makes it a great low stress exercise, either in addition to your regular routine or for those who are limited in their exercise.

You might see vibe plates, also known as power plates, at the gym or at your local chiropractic clinic, but you can also order them online for at home use. Still think vibrating is for phones and not for people? Let me tell you about some of my favorite benefits.

What Are the Benefits of Whole Body Vibration?

My Favorite Benefits of the Power Plate

1 – Aids in Spinal Correction and Helps Hold Adjustments Longer

There is a reason you will find the vibe plate, or other whole body vibration machines, at your local chiropractic clinic. It is a great tool to aid spinal correction and help hold chiropractic adjustments longer. That’s because whole body vibration increase neuromuscular function, increases coordination and strengthens postural muscles which all supports a healthy spine.

2 – Increases Bone Density and Reduces Fractures

25% of senior women have osteoporosis and are at risk of increased fractures. (1) That’s not cool but there are steps you can take for prevention. The benefits of whole body vibration are very bone protective as we age. Multiple studies have shown that it can help to increase bone density. (2) One study of 90 postmenopausal women found that after 6 months of regular whole body vibration that hip bone density was increased by 1%. (3) NASA scientists have even found it can help prevent bone loss in astronauts. (4) Well, if it’s good enough for astronauts… Wait, there’s more! Because of how it improves balance, increases coordination and strengthens muscles it can reduce falls and fractures.

3 – Burns Fat

For those who are just starting a workout routine, or want to add to their workout routine, whole body vibration could be a fat burner. One study split obese mice into 3 groups. One group shook for 20 minutes, one was on the treadmill for 45 and the last group got to be lazy mice. It found vibration had similar metabolic effects as walking on a treadmill and both groups gained less weight than the lazy mice. (5) Did anyone else notice the vibrating mice did it in less than half the time? That is why you see the power plate at the gym.

4 – Boosts the Immune System

Whole body vibration helps boost the immune system because of its anti-inflammatory benefits and by improving the microbiome. Time on the vibe plate can increase those macrophages that suppress inflammation. (6) If your body has chronic inflammation, then it can’t fight those pathogens as effectively and a healthy gut is key to a healthy immune system. Whole body vibration also stimulates the lymphatic system which is important for detoxification and a healthy immune system.

5 – Helps with Muscle and Injury Recovery

Vibration can be a noninvasive, drug-free way to speed up recovery. It helps with blood flow which gets oxygen and nutrients to your muscles and other tissues. This helps your body heal after exercise or an injury. In one study, mice who were exposed to vibration 5 times a week had wounds that healed faster than mice in the control group. (7)

Other Benefits of Whole Body Vibration

1. Increased Circulation
2. Increased Flexibility
3. Decreased Cortisol
4. Improved Balance and Coordination
5. Strengthen Postural Muscles
6. Increased Neuromuscular Function

Whole Body Vibration is a Great Way to Keep Moving

With all the benefits of whole body vibration it is a great way to keep your body moving. It is a great option for those who are physically limited. It is also good for women during weeks one and three of their cycle when they need to protect their hormones. The vibe plate and yoga are great for when they should be avoiding high intensity activities but should still get things moving.

I could pick one or two of the many health benefits of whole body vibration as a great reason to do it. You don’t have to pick one or two benefits. You get all of them! It’s time to shake things up!

Resources for the Benefits of Whole Body Vibration

1. https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20150813/1-in-4-senior-women-in-us-has-osteoporosis-cdc#1

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5114342/

3. https://asbmr.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1359/JBMR.0301245

4. https://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2001/ast02nov_1/

5. https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/03/good-vibrations-bit-shaking-can-burn-fat-combat-diabetes

6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31247969

7. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140331153647.htm