Want to take your circuit workouts to a whole new level? Do them on a vibrating platform.
Besides eliminating cellulite, vibration training has benefits like increasing muscle strength and improving flexibility. Photo: kzenon/123rf.com
On the surface, vibration exercise equipment sounds gimmicky, especially when marketed to spot-reduce tummy flab without needing you to work out. But whole-body vibration training, which uses a vibrating platform to intensify your workout, is another story.
First explored as a treatment for astronauts to reverse the loss of bone mass in space, whole-body vibration therapy later grew in popularity among professional athletes, who used it for rehabilitation and conditioning purposes. Today, high-tech machines with vibrating platforms of adjustable frequency can be found in gyms and fitness studios, with an increasing number of people using them in their workout routines.
From increasing workout efficiency to improving bone density, here are seven great reasons to give vibration training a try.
Vibration training often involves static exercises performed on a vibrating platform with adjustable frequencies. The higher the frequency, the tougher the workout. Photo: Higher Ground Fitness
Vibration training gives you a more efficient workout
Even basic exercises such as planks, push-ups and squats are made a lot more challenging with the introduction of vibrations. In 30 minutes, you would have gotten a full-body workout that feels as intense as a two-hour one.
Vibration training strengthens and tones your muscles
Your muscles are spurred to work harder – expanding and contracting more rapidly than they would when doing more traditional forms of static exercises. A study published in the Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics found that children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy had increased muscle strength after 12 weeks of whole-body vibration therapy.
While normal exercises give you a boost in metabolism, the added vibrations speeds it up further to aid in fat burn. Photo: Higher Ground Fitness
Vibration training helps you to burn fat and reduce cellulite
Studies have shown that whole-body vibration in exercise significantly raises your metabolic rate – hurray to fat burn! The constant vibration also increases lymphatic flow, which is key to flushing out toxins to eliminate pesky cellulite.
Vibration training improves bone density
Besides keeping osteoporosis at bay, maintaining strong bones is important for protecting the fragile organs and muscles in you. According to a study in 2016, it was found that whole-body vibration exercises had a positive effect on the bone mineral density of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Vibration training is easy on your joints
And it is particularly suitable for anyone with old injuries or if you’re recovering from one. Vibration therapy is often used to treat arthritis by increasing blood circulation to reduce inflammation and hence, lessening pain and discomfort in the joints.
Take your yoga poses to another level by doing them on a vibrating platform. It will definitely train your balance skills. Photo: Higher Ground Fitness
Vibration training increases your flexibility, coordination and balance
The vibrations loosen your muscles, allowing them to stretch further, and increasing your range of motion. Plus, they work your hip flexors and core along the way to give you better posture.
Vibration training improves blood circulation
This is key to promoting cell growth and keeping your vital organs functioning well. A good blood flow also helps to fight against infections, prevent cardiovascular diseases, and give you healthy and radiant-looking skin.
Where to try vibration training in Singapore
Classes at Higher Ground Fitness’ cosy studio at East Coast Road are kept small at six students. Photo: Higher Ground Fitness
Higher Ground Fitness at East Coast Road is one such fitness studio that specialises in vibration training in Singapore. Here, state-of-the-art Power Plate machines that resemble professional medical scales are used in their 40-minute Power Plate Vibration Training and Hybrid Training classes.
The Power Plate Vibration Training class is a beginner-friendly option, where you can expect to do static exercises such as holding in a squat or push-up on the vibrating platform, while the Hybrid Training class kicks things up a notch by introducing weights and cardio to the mix.
Weights and other equipment are used during the more advanced Hybrid Training classes at Higher Ground Fitness. Photo: Higher Ground Fitness
Led by certified trainers, each session includes warm-up, stretching, cool-down and the most comfortable part of the class – a massage using the Power Plate machines to aid in post-workout recovery. Classes are kept cosy at six students, so you will definitely be given enough attention throughout. It’s almost like a personal training sesh!
Higher Ground Fitness is located at 695C East Coast Road. Free trials are available for first-time visitors throughout July. For more information about the trials and classes, visit hg-fitness.com or email info@hg-fitness.com.
Brought to you by Higher Ground Fitness.
