Vibroplate

I have noticed these things popping up all over the place, and my gym has installed one too (albeit at extra charge!). I was wondering do they have any use at all? Or is it just another gimmicky fad?

I only used it once in  my previous gym (they dont have one in my current gym) and I felt a bit of a wally wobbling away on it lol!
 
I did also try it with leaning on it (supposed to work your arms) but it just made me want to sneeze so I didnt bother.
 
IMO I doubt it works well - probably just another gimmick.  Before I started training I had tried most things that promised to melt away the pounds and firm you up with minimal effort.  Unsurprisingly the only thing that worked was training hard and eating properly lol!!! 

I got a few free classes at a specific vibrating centre () on Groupon.
It was a bit like doing a pilates class but you either sat, stood or put your hands on the plate while performing the moves.
 
It was challenging but only a bit more challenging then if I'd been holding the position on a steady surface.
 
I hated the way my eyeballs wobbled!!! Yikes!
 
I would vote gimmick myself :)
 
I much prefer squatting and deadlifting myself.

I use it to stretch out. Scientific studies have shown using them can relieve DOMS symptoms and I really do think they work well for this purpose.
The list of contraindications for not using one is huge though :-/

Bet they're great to sit on

Well there was one exercise where you had to sit on it and then stretch forward to touch your toes.. and it was a bit... ZING!  Lol

this is one of those threads in the femail section, that as you read it, you start to feel like you shouldnt...
 
but in a related anecdote, my mate who owns a gym just put one in (regardless of wether you think they work or not, they are good business....)  as he was showing an OAP how to use it the other day, she turned to him halfway through and out of the blue, announced 'could have a fantastic orgasm on here'    to say he felt uncomfortable was an understatement... haha.  made me laugh when he told me though!

Hilarious, but yes you are correct Daz - the gym I train at charges quite a bit to use it (can't remember how much off hand, but it's not the odd £1 or two!).

my mates charging £10 a session, or 10 sessionf for £80.  been in a week, and quite a few booked on, and payed up!

dazc


my mates charging £10 a session, or 10 sessionf for £80.  been in a week, and quite a few booked on, and payed up!

 
Where can I get one?

They have them at the gym I go to and you can use them for free...I only tried it once but I felt really uncomfortable...ya know....wobble wobble....surprised I didn't wobble off the edge and plough into an unsuspecting passerby really.....not for me I don't think......

When is a vibration plate not a vibration plate...
 
A true vibration plate the vibrates in all directions like the 'Power Plate' and have enough science to back the benefits of its use. Power Plates vibrate on different frequencies and create. However, lots of companies have jumped on the bandwagon and produced inferior oscellating so call 'vibration plates' which do not vibtarate at all    they just rock from side to saide very fast and are very uncomfortable without the health benefits. The reason they do this is because the public so not understand the difference because they market them as the same thing; they market them in a sly way that suggests they are the same when they are in fact totally different. 
On a good vibration plate you can do all your normal exercises while on the plate and even use your kettlebell for quicker results. It is generally not recommended for use ever day. Every other day is ideal or three times a week.
A good way to tell if it vibtartes or oscillates (?) is if it keeps the water in the glass when placed on the plate, not shaking it about but more or less humming.... 

quick guess, you work for power plate??  lol

They are not the fad that many things are. They do have science behind them and many years of practical use prior to them entering the commercial market.
 
They aren't going to help a guy add 50lbs of lean mass, or make anyone lose 20lb of fat but they do have their uses.

dirtyvest


They are not the fad that many things are. They do have science behind them and many years of practical use prior to them entering the commercial market.

They aren't going to help a guy add 50lbs of lean mass, or make anyone lose 20lb of fat but they do have their uses.

 
As I said, they're great sitting on

dazc


this is one of those threads in the femail section, that as you read it, you start to feel like you shouldnt...

 
I didnt know guys were allowed in this section but the heading drew me then I saw dazc creeping about here :)
 
I actually didnt know gyms charged for the use of them its always been free at mine , I use the power plate just for massaging if ive done back ill lay on it or if ive done legs put calves on it ect and stretch every now and again as flick says it definetly helps with DOMS .

im sure kitty will make you an honorary femail member like me! haha
 

Granted

This year's fad i'm afraid to say. The 'science' is dubious to say the least. Certainly don't pay to use them.

Been around for more than a year though haven't they? (unless you didn't mean literally)  At least 5 that I can think of!!