Vibration plates are becoming more and more popular and have become an integral part of the inventory in fitness studios. One reason for this are the versatile applications: Whether losing weight, building muscle or for physiotherapeutic purposes, the vibration plate is the right training partner. The manufacturers are also becoming aware of this and so there is already a large selection of vibration plates on the market. You are thinking about buying a vibration plate? - Here are some tips for you! 
The type of vibration
Before you buy a vibration plate, you should first consider what movement the vibrations should produce. There are three different types: vertical vibration, 3D vibration and oscillating vibration. Each one works different muscle groups and produces a different training effect. We explain the difference between the vibration movements:
Vertical vibration: These vibrations run rigidly from bottom to top and only work the muscles along the transverse axis in the body. These muscles are responsible for movements around your longitudinal axis.
2. 3D vibration: As the name suggests, the plate here vibrates in three different dimensions - length, depth and width. This means that the vibrations do not only run from bottom to top, but in all directions. The training effect is thus significantly increased.
3. oscillating vibration: also called rocking system, because here a rocking rather than a vibrating is produced. The vibrations adapt to the movements of the user and thus achieve a natural training effect.
How to train properly with vibration plates?
Vibration plate with column or without?
Regardless of the manufacturer, there are usually two different versions of vibration plates - the one with a column and the one without. The principle is the same for both versions, a motor generates vibrations through oscillating rods. The machines with a column are more stable, heavier and have a more powerful motor, resulting in a greater variety of exercises. At the top of the column is the display to control the vibration plate. In some cases, there is also one at the bottom of the plate, this helps with operation when exercising while lying down. Vibration plates without a column have a more compact size and are usually cheaper. They draw the short straw when it comes to stability. They are not controlled by a display, but by a remote control.
Basically, it can be said that vibration plates without a column are suitable for smaller rooms/apartments or beginners. If you have more experience and the necessary space available, you can definitely go for a device with a column.
Motor power and quality of the vibration plates
The power of the motor determines the strength and quality of the vibrations. Better machines have the alternating current (AC) motor built in, which is specifically designed for use in vibration plates. However, most use a 200-watt motor, which is also perfectly adequate. Once the necessary power is available, it all comes down to the quality of the vibratory plate and especially the vibrating bars. These transmit the vibrations to the muscle groups. With cheaper devices and materials it could happen that too many vibrations go into the floor and the desired training effect is missing.
Noise and weight
High quality material and the AC motor have the advantage of being quiet and vibration dampening. This should be especially interesting for people in rented apartments, so that the good relationship with the neighbors is still there after the workout. If you don't want to invest the extra money, you can also curb the vibrations with training mats under the machine. Depending on the material and design, the weight of the various vibration plates differs. The smaller, compact ones without a column usually weigh less than 40 kilograms, with a column they start at 50 kilograms. The weight has a direct influence on the robustness of the plate. A stronger support allows for stronger vibrations without wandering around the room during vibration training. Unfortunately, they are also correspondingly more costly.
Conclusion
A vibration plate can be the ideal workout partner and doesn't take up a lot of space. Care should be taken to ensure that the vibrating movements are three-dimensional or oscillating in order to achieve the optimal training effect. A training device with a column offers more possibilities for training, but in the beginning a vibration plate without a column is also sufficient. Quality and motor depend on how much budget is available. If you want to invest more, you can do it at these points.
Find your vibration plate now at an unbeatable price!
Editors fitnessmarkt.de (EA)
Image credit: #215581552 focusandblur AdobeStock
Published on: 10 February 2015