Best Vibration Power Plate Machines for Seniors
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Having its roots in space travel, vibration therapy is known to be an incredibly effective treatment for various conditions, including osteoporosis. It may also improve circulation, aid in better flexibility, and help with weight loss.
But when it comes to purchasing a vibration power plate, consumers need to be aware of several things. Before you commit to buying any particular piece of equipment, take a look over the following information to help you make a wiser decision.
Vibration Power Plate Machines Comparison Chart
LifePro Turbo 3D Vibration Plate | Bluefin Fitness 4D Triple Motor Vibration Plate | LifePro Rhythm Vibration Plate Machine | Hurtle Fitness Vibration Platform Workout Machine | |
  |   |   |   | |
Vibration Type | Oscillates & pulses | Linear vibration, oscillates and micro vibration | Oscillates | Oscillates |
Program Settings | 8 | 10 (7 manual & 3 programmed settings) | 1 | 1 |
Speed Settings | 99 | 30 | 99 | 20 |
Hz | 4 – 15hz | 6.4 – 40hz | 2 – 6hz | 30Hz |
Resistance Cords | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Weight Capacity | 330 lbs | 330 lbs | 330 lbs | 265 lbs |
Dimensions | 30.5" x 15.3" x 5.8" | 30.7" x 18.1" x 7.3" | 48" x 27.3" x 29" | 26.8'' x 15.5'' x 5.5'' |
Product Weight | 33 lbs | 42 lbs | 57 lbs | 35.02 lbs |
Price |
What is a Vibration Power Plate?
A vibration power plate is a device that is used to transmit energy through the human body using vibrations. These pieces of equipment are sometimes referred to as a Whole Body Vibration or WBV fitness device.
The user simply stands on the vibration plate, switches on the power, and allows the therapy to begin. For people who have limited mobility or who would otherwise struggle to maintain a regular physical fitness routine, the vibration plate is a great alternative. For people who do take part in regular exercise, these pieces of equipment can be an excellent complement to that routine. Users have the choice of remaining static on the device or performing various movements.
The idea of the vibration power plate is that the energy moving through the body will stimulate the body’s natural reflexes, which is known to have a series of impressive benefits. When moving whilst on the machine, the effects of these movements are significantly increased, meaning that the physical benefits are far greater than a typical workout.
According to the Mayo Clinic people who use a vibration plate three times a week, for just 15 minutes at a time, may notice significant weight loss and improved strength.
What are the Benefits of Vibration Therapy for Seniors?
Vibration therapy is useful for many groups of people, but senior users may notice some very specific advantages. At a glance, you may notice some of the following benefits when using this type of therapy over an extended period of time:
- Muscle strength is improved
- Bone density is increased
- Balance is improved
- Improved blood circulation
- Weight loss
Since WBV is considered to be a low impact workout, seniors who struggle with being active may still be able to participate. It is no secret that, as we age, our bodies struggle to do the physical activities we managed when we were younger. But that is not to say that older adults should refrain from taking regular exercise. Research has shown that seniors may benefit in several ways from regularly exercising.
Even when your base fitness levels are lower, low impact exercise such as WBV means that the hormonal stress of the workout is significantly lower. Essentially, this means that there is less stress on the joints and one may be able to recover much more quickly.
In old age, many of the physical traits that many of us once took for granted, are affected. One primary example of this is balance. There are, according to the CDC, more than 36 million falls among older adults in the USA each year. This number could potentially be decreased if more elderly people had improved balance. Furthermore, since vibration therapy is known to improve balance, this could mean that you are able to retain your independence for longer.
For seniors who struggle with muscle weakness, vibration therapy is again a viable option. Whether you have a condition such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or have weakened muscles due to age, the vibrational energy can strengthen the muscles. Not only will this make your overall fitness better but more importantly, it can aid in improving balance, therefore, preventing trips and falls.
Many older adults suffer from bone problems, most commonly, diseases such as osteoporosis. However, using regular vibration therapy could be the key to unlocking better bone health. A study into the bone density of post-menopausal patients revealed that there was an increase in density after just six months of vibration therapy. This is extremely promising for older adults, lowering the risk of developing bone conditions like osteoporosis or helping to improve them.
As we get older, our bone density naturally decreases. If this is not addressed, it could lead to more broken bones, including things like hip fractures, which can be particularly debilitating.
Is Vibration Therapy Suitable for Everybody?
While vibration therapy may be suitable for many elderly patients, there are some people who may find other types of therapy to be more suitable. One of the most common problems lies among those who are susceptible to lower back pain since this type of treatment is known to bring on this sort of pain. If you have had problems with pain in the lower back in the past, you may find that WBV exacerbates this.
You will also find that using a vibration power plate could be less than advantageous if you are recovering from a muscular or bone injury. This is owing to the fact that the vibrations cause the muscles to quickly contract. As a result of this, they are unable to heal as rapidly. It is also important to consider the treatment that you have received for any injuries. For example, if you have any plate or pin work or certain types of stitches, these could come loose or dislodged when using a vibration power plate.
For people with incredibly brittle bones, using vibration therapy may also not be a good idea. This is because there is evidence to suggest that WBV therapy could be responsible for bone fractures among certain patients.
In addition, anyone who suffers from cardiovascular disease or other cardio related illnesses should refrain from using vibration therapy. This is because the vibrations could aggravate these types of illnesses. This also applies to those who have previously suffered a stroke
While this is unlikely to apply to seniors, it is also worth considering that pregnant women should not use vibration therapy. While there is not a lot of research that covers the use of this type of equipment by pregnant women, most manufacturers would warn against it.
If you are at all unsure as to whether vibration therapy is suitable for you, the best thing you can do is to talk to your doctor before making any decisions.
Vibration Plate Buyer’s Guide
In modern times, we are fortunate enough to have a vast choice when it comes to any type of product. With that being said, this also leaves consumers in a position of confusion.
When choosing a vibration plate, there are a few important things that you should first consider.
Platform Size
The platform is the part of the vibration plate on which you stand. While most are designed for standing, there are also vibration power plates that can be used for sitting and lying down. It is important to consider how you wish to use the machine in order to decide on the right size.
In addition to this, you should consider that there are two main designs when it comes to the vibration power plate. There are those that have a tower design and are very similar to other kinds of exercise equipment one might see such as the treadmill. However, there are also the more portable designs which just feature a plate and no handrails.
If you are unsteady on your feet, we would always advise using a vibration plate with handrails. While these may take up more space, this should never be more important than your safety.
Additionally, you should also consider that as the platform gets larger, the performance of the machine may decrease. This is because the motor will need to work harder. However, if you wish to have more freedom when it comes to exercise positions and movements, a larger plate may be necessary.
Type of Vibration
There are two main types of vibration for these machines; lineal and pivotal. Which you choose will depend on your needs, with pivotal vibrations shown to have better health benefits. If you are someone that is looking to drastically improve severe health conditions, then this type of vibration may be better for you. However, much of your decision will boil down to your preference.
Lineal vibrations are delivered horizontally and as the energy is released, the platform will move up and down. Conversely, a pivotal platform has a central vibration point meaning that the left and right sides of the platform move up and down simultaneously; you could compare this to a see-saw motion.
Vibration Intensity
You will often see the amplitude of the machine displayed in mm and this refers to the intensity of the device. The higher the figure, the more intense your workout will be. That being said, there are also different types of intensity which are suited to various needs.
Additionally, you will want to look at the vibration frequency for the device which is given in Hertz (Hz). It is widely accepted that anything between 25-40Hz is suitable for a whole body workout. That being said, there are machines that have higher or lower intensities and you will need to compare this with your own needs.
You may also wish to look for a vibration power plate whose intensity can be adjusted. This is particularly important for those who are looking to address various health needs.
Machine Size
While a larger machine does need to work harder, these will typically come with a much more powerful motor. In reality, the largest, heaviest, and loudest vibrations plates will deliver the best results in terms of an intense workout. However, you will also need to consider the available space.
For people who are limited on floor space, there are many excellent mini plates. However, as we have already discussed, it is important to ensure that your equipment has the appropriate safety features such as handrails, should you require this. These smaller machines are also an excellent choice for those who travel a lot and wish to take their equipment with them.
That being said, if you have a lot of space, there are plenty of full-sized vibration plates that provide a deep workout.
Training Programs
The needs of one user are likely to be grossly different from the needs of the next user, as such, manufacturers may include a variety of training programs on the vibration power plate. These programs may target certain areas such as the upper or lower body, the core, and even the whole body.
You should consider what you are trying to achieve from using the equipment and select a vibration power plate that has a program designed for this.
Weight Capacity
A vibration plate is designed to be used by one person at a time, so before you get started, you should be aware that allowing more than one person to use the machine at once could be dangerous. You must also consider that most vibration plates have a weight limit of 330 lbs. However, if you require something with a larger weight capacity, there are products out there that will meet your needs.
It is essential to never use a vibration plate that is not designed to meet your weight as this could result in injury or damage to the device.
Noise Level
Some vibration plates can be incredibly noisy, whereas others are much quieter and are ideal for those who wish to watch their favorite TV show while working out.
However, it is important to keep in mind that for vibration plates that need to work harder, the motor may create more noise. Looking for a device that features a brushless motor is the best way to ensure that you get quiet and smooth operation.
Extras
If you simply want the vibration plate and nothing else then this consideration may not be relevant to you. However, if you are looking for a diverse piece of equipment then it is worth looking at whether the plate comes with any extras.
A lot of manufacturers will include a workout DVD, or at the very least, a poster with exercise instructions for you to follow. Many devices will come with things like resistance bands. This is great, however, you will want to check how easy these are to connect to the machine and whether they are durable.
Best Vibration Power Plate Machines
With the importance of good health and fitness becoming more and more recognized as time goes by, it is not surprising that the market is being inundated by manufacturers supplying various types of exercise equipment. The vibration plate is no exception, and when you begin shopping, you will find that there are many choices.
These are some of our top picks.
1. LifePro Turbo 3D Vibration Plate
Best Compact Vibration Plate – LifePro Turbo 3D Vibration Plate
If you are limited on space then a compact vibration plate is essential. This one may be small, but it is certainly mighty. It features a robust dual motor that delivers both oscillation and pulsating vibrations. If you prefer, you can use these together for a complete, 3D experience.
The platform measures 30.5″ x 15.3″ and has a weight capacity of 330 lbs. It comes with 4 resistance bands as well as 2 loop bands, allowing for a versatile workout. There is also the option to adjust the speed to suit your needs. Everything is shown on the LED lit display so you can see the intensity of your workout.
One of the best things about this device, however, is that it comes with a lifetime guarantee. It also boasts incredibly quiet operation and a library of training resources that is completely free to access. However, there is one downside and that is that the device doesn’t support balance training which is something that a lot of senior users may be interested in.
Key Specs:
- Vibration type: oscillates & pulses
- Program settings: 8
- Speed settings: 99
- Hz: 4 – 15hz
- Weight capacity: 330 lbs
- Dimensions: 30.5″ x 15.3″ x 5.8″
Pros
Cons
2. Bluefin Fitness 4D Triple Motor Vibration Plate
Best Overall Vibration Plate – Bluefin Fitness 4D Triple Motor Vibration Plate
The Bluefin fitness vibration plate boasts a triple motor that runs up to 40Hz. This silent drive offers quiet vibrations on a plate that is perfectly designed to fit into your home. However, some users have reported that the vibrations could feel a little smoother, so this is something to bear in mind.
That being said, this is a minor drawback when you consider the many advantages of this equipment. This vibration power plate has the choice of vibrations, oscillations, and micro vibrations; the latter delivered a massage similar to reflexology which is great for those who are experiencing pain. These vibration types can be used separately or as part of the advanced 4D program.
There are 30 intensity levels in total with 3 different workout options and 7 manual modes. The device comes with a remote control that you can wear, making altering the settings simple and quick. An anti-slip plate makes this ideal for older adults with a fall risk.
Key Specs:
- Vibration type: linear vibration, oscillates and micro vibration
- Program settings: 10 (7 manual & 3 programmed settings)
- Speed settings: 30
- Hz: 6.4 – 40hz
- Weight capacity: 330 lbs
- Dimensions: 30.7″ x 18.1″ x 7.3″
Pros
Cons
3. LifePro Rhythm Vibration Plate Machine
Best Full-Sized Vibration Plate – LifePro Rhythm Vibration Plate Machine
The Rhythm vibration plate from LifePro is perfect for those looking for a machine that provides less intense vibration therapy.
This vibration plate offers a smooth performance that is quiet and has 99 intensity settings allowing you to adjust each workout session to suit your particular needs. The lower 2–6Hz frequency range makes the machine perfect for rehabilitation purposes.
The power plate comes with a slimline design yet has a large platform allowing for more versatile and free movements. There are handrails for anyone whose balance is not as good as it once was and an anti-slip surface helps to maximize safety when working out.
The machine features a large easy to read console display. Large buttons make changing speeds or programs a breeze. Integrated sensors built into the handrails allow you to monitor your heart rate during each session.
Key Specs:
- Vibration type: oscillates
- Program settings: 1
- Speed settings: 99
- Hz: 2 – 6hz
- Weight capacity: 330 lbs
- Dimensions: 48″ x 27.3″ x 29″
Pros
Cons
4. Hurtle Fitness Vibration Platform Workout Machine
Best Budget Vibration Plate – Hurtle Fitness Vibration Platform Workout Machine
The Hurtle vibration power plate is incredibly user-friendly and ideal for those who are just getting started with this type of equipment. Not only is it budget friendly, but it comes with a handy remote control and a selection of accessories. For example, balance straps and resistance bands are included and these are easy to connect and remove from the plate.
This vibration plate boasts a powerful motor that turns at 2300 rpm and has a selection of 20 speed settings. This is ideal if you are looking to target various parts of the body. Couple this with the choice of upper body, lower body, and core workouts and you have a very diverse piece of equipment.
In addition to this, the Hurtle plate with oscillating vibrations is portable and extremely easy to store. If you are looking for something more compact, this should be a serious contender. On the downside, its smaller side means that the weight capacity is not as generous as some of the other models at just 265 lbs.
Key Specs:
- Vibration type: oscillates
- Program settings: 1
- Speed settings: 20
- Hz: 30Hz
- Weight capacity: 265 lbs
- Dimensions: 26.8” x 15.5” x 5.5”
