The Benefits of Whole Body Vibration Machines: Weight Loss & More

The Benefits of Whole Body Vibration Machines: Weight Loss + Balance & More

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Evidence-Based

​Increased weight loss, improved bone density, increase balance and blood flow…

These are just some of the benefits of using a whole-body vibration machine. 

​But maybe you are wondering: 

Are these benefits too good to be true?

How can I get these results? 

Will ​it work for me? 

If so, which whole-body vibration machine is the best?

These are exactly the questions we are going to answer today. 

This article will give you a scientific overview including how and why I use vibration therapy in certain patients for an added boost to weight loss and other treatments.

​But I need to be honest with you and say this right away:

The whole body vibration machine is NOT a miracle weight loss or quick weight loss gimmick. By itself, it will most likely NOT lead to significant weight loss or improve all of your symptoms. 

If you are looking for a quick fix, a miracle weight loss cure this is not it.

But if you are looking to augment your weight loss results, if you are ready to make changes to your health, and want to understand how the whole body vibration machine can make your workouts far more efficient and effective then this is the information you are looking for…

If you want to skip the science and the talk you can find my recommendation here (but read below to see how I recommend you use it). ​

Whole Body Vibration Machine Benefits

Let’s cut to the science here. 

Below you will find a list of conditions with appropriate scientific articles that have shown whole-body vibration to be of benefit:

If you look at whole body vibration from a scientific standpoint you can clearly see that there is some benefit in many areas. 

whole body vibration machine standing by itself with a white background.

But how can this little machine do so much for the body? ​

When any therapy improves function in multiple systems/organs/diseases we have to sit back and think about why and how it is working.

In this case, we aren’t really sure why vibration therapy is so effective, but I can offer some thoughts based on why this is the case.

First:

When it comes to increased muscle mass and fat loss there are several potential reasons why this type of therapy may work. 

Vibration causes an increase in stress on the body. Micro stress on the muscles (especially the postural muscles) may provide insight into how vibration therapy works.

Think of this: 

When your core body temperature drops several degrees your body responds by shivering.

Shivering (often uncontrollably) is your body’s response to the drop in energy by causing movement which produces heat.

The secondary effect is the burning of calories in the process.

Vibration therapy probably works through a similar mechanism.

The constant vibration likely places an increased demand on the muscular tissues which translates to more work and energy in the system which causes increased calorie burn and more weight loss.

Second:

The mechanical movement of the vibration probably helps with the lymphatic flow which may indirectly improve tissue levels of medications, nutrients, and blood flow. ​

The vibrations are likely working at the cellular level to some degree as well, but this idea is less understood.

At the end of the day one thing is clear:

Vibration therapy (usually when accompanied by other interventions) can dramatically improve multiple organs and body functions, including your ability to lose weight. ​

Does Vibration Therapy help with Weight Loss?

We’ve already touched on this but I do want to elaborate on it further here. 

Specifically, I want to show how it CAN be helpful in improving weight loss. 

As a reminder: 

The whole body vibration machine is not a miracle weight loss therapy by itself. 

However, if used with exercise and proper eating it can absolutely augment your ability to lose weight faster than without using it.

And that’s where it shines:

Efficiency.

When using the whole body vibration with exercise (resistance training) the benefits of increased muscle mass and improved recovery post-workout really start to shine. 

It’s similar to high-intensity interval training in that less time is required for the same (if not more) benefit than traditional resistance training. 

The vibrations put increased demand on the muscles which can more caloric burn and faster recovery. 

In fact, many of the case studies I have shown on this site have used whole-body vibration therapy: 

I would never pretend that these results are caused by the whole body vibration therapy itself, but it can certainly augment weight loss efforts if combined with the following:

  • Hormone balancing protocol
  • Proper supplements and nutrients
  • Proper diet which addresses insulin and leptin levels
  • Lifestyle recommendations to reduce stress and improve sleep quality

​Realistically if this machine is used by itself (accompanied by exercises) you will most likely notice changes to your body composition more than your actual weight. 

That will mean changes to your waist circumference, body fat, and muscle mass. 

Do NOT expect impressive weight loss results if you just stand on the vibration machine 1-2x per day. ​

​How to Exercise on a Whole Body Vibration Machine

To get the most benefit out of a whole-body vibration machine the best way to use it is by doing regular ground-based exercises or weight-bearing exercises on top of the machine while it is running. 

This has two benefits:

1. It causes an increased demand for the muscles to work due to the vibrations.

2. It activates postural muscles increasing total work and calories burned​.

The whole-body vibration machine that I recommend comes with resistance training bands that strap to the bottom of the machine.

This allows you to be on top of the vibration machine while using the resistance bands to take advantage of the benefits listed above.

I’ve included a video that highlights how it should be used: 

While the whole-body machine I recommend is slightly different the principle is still the same. 

You want to be sure you are active ON the machine or at least placing PART of your body on the machine during the workout.

You can do this with stretches or exercise activities.

​Most of these exercise moves are done with body weight alone, but they can be made more intense by adding dumbbells or resistance bands. 

​Sample whole body vibration workout: 

  • Body weight squats x15
  • Push-ups (with knees down or up) x10
  • Single-leg body weighted lunges x10 on each leg
  • Rotating plank x10 on each side
  • Rinse and repeat x3

​This simple series of exercises even if done a couple of times per week will have significant benefits. 

And even if you are unable to perform these exercises simply stretching on the vibration machine has benefits: 

How I use Vibration Therapy for Patients

Beyond the benefits of weight loss (mentioned above), whole-body vibration therapy can also be used for a variety of other reasons. 

I’m not going to go over every one of these in detail but I wanted to point out several instances in which I’ve successfully used vibration therapy on a variety of medical conditions:

  • As an adjunct to plyometric training
  • Improving recovery post-workout
  • Improving postural muscles and support of abdominal/lumbar musculature (helpful in patients with low back pain from imbalances in abdominal/lumbar muscle strength)
  • As an adjunct therapy to weight loss
  • Improving lymphatic flow in patients with congestion/edema
  • As an adjunct therapy to treating plantar fasciitis
  • As an adjunct therapy to treating balance and gait imbalances (especially post-stroke or with other neurological conditions)
  • As an adjunct therapy to treating peripheral neuropathy (caused by both chemotherapy or nerve damage from diabetes mellitus)
  • For use in elderly populations or those who have limited mobility to make exercise more efficient

While not all of these practices are “evidence-based” in the sense that they have scientific studies supporting their use, I’ve had anecdotal success in each condition. 

The reason I even bring it up is that many of these medical conditions do not have therapies that work “consistently” so offering up alternative solutions is important in these instances. 

Because the vibration component works through mechanisms we don’t fully understand it’s also possible that there are many other conditions that this therapy can improve that we don’t know about yet.

With that in mind, I recommend a trial for various conditions if it is safe for you to do so.

Whole Body Vibration Machine Comparisons and Reviews

When purchasing a whole-body vibration machine there are several things to consider:

1. The quality of the machine itself

2. The force of vibration and frequency that the vibration machine is capable of

3. Results and reviews from other people who have used the machine

4. ​Will the unit be sufficient for your needs? If you want to lose weight it should have resistance bands, etc.

The Best and most well rounded Whole Body Vibration Machine

Because each machine is unique and digging into the details can be confusing I’ve come up with my recommendation here.

​I make this recommendation for several reasons:

  • The price point is very reasonable for the quality (yes you can purchase more expensive units but I think you are getting 90% of the benefits with this machine)
  • It comes with resistance bands
  • The wavelength and frequency the machine produces are sufficient to achieve results for multiple medical conditions
  • The machine has over a thousand customer reviews
  • It is the most well-rounded of whole-body vibration machines

​Having said that there are always some downsides to purchasing any product. 

This specific product does not produce the most force of all whole-body vibration machines, which means the power is somewhat lacking.

Some of the more expensive machines are more powerful which means results can be seen in less time. ​

Bottom line:

If you don’t mind taking more time for results and are ok with less power then this machine would be sufficient for most people.

It will work if you are interested in improving stretching and/or weight loss efforts as well.

You can see some sample reviews below (both positive and negative): ​

In my experience, as long as you are willing to put forth the effort, (and don’t expect miracle results just by standing on it) you will most likely see results. 

On the other hand, most negative reviews are likely due to unrealistic expectations. ​

The Best Whole Body Vibration Machine for Weight Loss

If you are looking for vibration therapy that has more power and packs a bigger punch (and the price is less of a concern for you), then this whole-body vibration machine would likely be a better choice for you:

a small vibration machine designed to be stood upon.

This machine (and similar kinds) are predominately used in gyms and fitness centers that focus on improving workouts and results. 

It produces more power – up to almost 10 G’s of G force (indicating it has more power than most whole-body vibration machines).

In addition, the frequency is around 20 Hz which is the frequency used in many of the scientific studies noted above.

As I mentioned before, you can still get results with less power but it will likely take more time to achieve them.

a fit woman doing abdominal exercises on a small whole body vibration machine.

This whole-body vibration machine is used in a similar way as the others but does not come with resistance bands.

If you are really interested in weight loss and maximizing the benefits of whole-body vibration therapy, then this machine will be the best for you. ​

​The Best Whole Body Vibration Machine for Peripheral Neuropathy and Plantar Fasciitis

Lastly, it’s worth pointing out that if weight loss isn’t your goal, you can still get many of the benefits of whole-body vibration therapy by using a supine vibration therapy machine. 

This is the model that I use for patients who have peripheral neuropathy and plantar fasciitis and differs from the whole-body vibration machines in that it is targeted and designed for use in the feet.

It will still send vibrations throughout the body, but will not work quite as well as the others for the WHOLE body.

a vibration machine meant primarily to treat disorders of the feet.

The advantages to this machine are that it is more portable and smaller than the other machines and is directed toward patients with medical conditions located in the feet (peripheral neuropathy, plantar fasciitis, etc.). 

You can see an example of a review below:

FAQ

This FAQ is based on emails I receive from patients and people who read this post.

This will hopefully answer many of your questions, but realize that each machine may do something slightly different and therefore treat certain conditions better than others.

Please refer to the section above if you have a specific goal.

What is Vibration therapy?

​Vibration therapy is the concept of using an external force in the form of vibrations through the body. 

This increase in force has benefits on circulation, bone health, and skeletal muscles.

It was originally created and used by astronauts to prevent bone loss while in space due to the lack of gravitational force. 

This is why the amount of G force each vibration therapy machine emits is important. ​

What is whole-body vibration?

Whole-body vibration therapy refers to vibrations that are felt and emitted throughout the entire body.

The greater the force of the vibration (G force and frequency) the farther the force will translate through the body.

Whole body vibration has a variety of benefits for multiple medical conditions due to the external force of energy put into the body. 

Will whole-body vibration improve my balance?

Several studies have shown that whole-body vibration therapy may improve balance.

Studies have shown improvement in patients who have suffered decreased mobility and balance after stroke (9), in patients with Parkinson’s disease (10), and in others with diabetic neuropathy (11).

​Studies show various degrees of improvement and the benefit will likely depend on the CAUSE of your balance and gait issues. 

For instance, if you have a vitamin B12 deficiency contributing to your peripheral neuropathy/balance issues then using whole-body vibration is not likely to help considerably because it won’t magically fix your B12 problem.

In my experience (especially when it comes to balance) whole body vibration therapy is part of a larger treatment plan. ​

Will Whole body vibration improve my peripheral neuropathy? 

It might help your peripheral neuropathy (12).

Studies have shown that some patients who have chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and type II diabetes-induced peripheral neuropathy may get benefit from using whole-body vibration.

For maximum benefit use whole-body vibration therapy as part of a larger treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes, anti-inflammatory agents, and other medications/supplements that improve blood flow.

Part of the reason that vibration therapy is felt to help peripheral neuropathy due to type II diabetes is that the damage from this condition occurs as a result of decreased blood flow due to microvascular disease.

Because vibration therapy helps improve blood flow it is felt that the increase in nutrients and blood flow likely helps regenerative nerve fibers. ​

​Is Whole body vibration therapy good for seniors and the elderly?

I have found that many patients (seniors or elderly included) who are unable to tolerate more intense exercises may benefit tremendously from using whole-body vibration therapy. 

The addition of force on the joints, plus the added benefit of postural contraction may help to improve balance which can lead to reduced falls and complications of falls.

The benefit of using whole-body vibration therapy is that many patients who are unable to get up and exercise can still find benefits while stretching on the machine itself.

Recap + Final Thoughts​

Whole-body vibration therapy has multiple benefits and many scientific studies show benefits.

Having said that it is not a miracle machine and may NOT help your medical condition.

Those who obtain the most benefit while using this machine use it properly and use it as part of a larger treatment plan.

If you are seeking weight loss benefits then I recommend using this machine.

If you are seeking a well-rounded vibration machine for better health then I recommend this machine.

If you are looking to treat peripheral neuropathy or plantar fasciitis then I recommend this machine.

Have you used whole-body vibration before? Did it help? Why or why not?

Leave your comments below! ​

#1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20484941

#2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4433994/

#3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4100042/

#4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25229836

#5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20980923

#6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4440196/

#7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4456782/

#8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24139013

#9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4175246/

#10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16720935

#11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3289205/

#12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24139013

enhance your weight loss & workouts with whole body vibration

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About Dr. Westin Childs

Hey! I'm Westin Childs D.O. (former Osteopathic Physician). I don't practice medicine anymore and instead specialize in helping people like YOU who have thyroid problems, hormone imbalances, and weight loss resistance. I love to write and share what I've learned over the years. I also happen to formulate the best supplements on the market (well, at least in my opinion!) and I'm proud to say that over 80,000+ people have used them over the last 7 years. You can read more about my own personal health journey and why I am so passionate about what I do.

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4 thoughts on “The Benefits of Whole Body Vibration Machines: Weight Loss + Balance & More”

  1. I thought it was intriguing to read that patients who use chemotherapy may benefit from using whole body vibration! My husband was recently diagnosed with kidney cancer and we trying everything to help him recover from Chemo. I will be sure do talk to an expert about the whole body vibration treatments!

    Reply
  2. Hi Dr. Childs

    Really great article and useful tips on vibration therapy. You’re right though, it is not a miracle cure but does have enough benefits to at least give it a go.

    Jen

    Reply
  3. Hello Dr. Childs – Came across this article researching machines. I have had one before and loved it but moved from Alaska and couldn’t bring it with me. Question for you – 2014 I had a hysterectomy, 2015 the pharmacy gave me triple the dose of estrogen I was taking. Didn’t realize until 3 months in when I wound up in the ER. Since I have had horrible brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, a whole host of issues. Do you think this is something that falls in your expertise? I have tried many many things and seen many doctors. Part of the issue is that I am horribly sensitive/allergic to almost any med whether it be estrogen or supplements. Thanks
    Carmon

    Reply

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