Who doesn’t want to get in shape by simply standing in place? It may sound unbelievable, but that’s what vibration machines claim to do.
I was curious about the validity of these machines, so I set out to find the best and try them. I quickly saw what the hype was about.
In this article, I’ll tell you what I discovered about vibration machines. I’ll also tell you about my top pick, the Bluefin Fitness Pro Vibration Plate. Keep reading for more information.
Vibration Machines: Too Good to Be True?
Vibration machines are one modern marvel that you can believe in.
They work!
These machines won’t take the place of traditional exercise, but they will allow you to work your muscles with less effort than you would usually put forth.
If you combine these machines with aerobic exercise and some traditional strength training occasionally, you’ll get the full body workout you’ve always desired.
Vibration machines essentially send energy through your body to your muscles. This energy causes your muscles to rapidly contract and expand many times per second.
You’ll feel like you’ve done a full, hard workout at the gym once you’re done. Experts say that 10 to 15 minutes per day is all you need to reap the benefits of a vibration machine.
Types of Vibration Machines
Vibration machines are all generally alike. However, some of the machines will come with handlebars and a console while others will only be the vibration plate with resistance bands.
If you feel better classifying them, you could say one category is a vibration plate with a console and the other is a vibration plate without a console.
Some vibration plates with consoles still have resistance bands. Resistance bands allow you to work out your upper body and lower body at the same time.
Handlebars give you a bit more versatility because you can use them to position yourself in different ways to target different areas of your body.
Functions
The function of a vibration plate refers to the type of vibrations it offers. A vibration plate can have one function or multiple functions, but the ones with multiple functions cost more.
The most basic function is linear vibration. Every vibration machine will have this function.
It imitates the type of workout you’d get from jumping making it effective for athletes such as basketball players or gymnasts.
Don’t worry, it still benefits you if you aren’t an athlete.
Linear vibrations work out your larger muscles so you still need to hit the gym to get the smaller muscle groups.
You also tend to work out both sides of your body at the same time so it can be a bit intense.
A better function is oscillating (pivotal) vibration. This function contracts and expands each side of your body alternatively so it mimics natural movement (like when you walk).
It’s easier on your body and these machines can sometimes support more weight.
You may see some vibration machines labeled as “3D vibrations”. Don’t let this fool you. All linear vibration plates are supposed to be 3D.
If they aren’t, you’d only go up and down and you would feel like you’re being hit repeatedly with a jackhammer.
The same goes for vibration plates labeled “micro-“. This just means smaller movements, not different.
Consoles
First, I want to point out that a console is unnecessary for vibration plates. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get one with a console.
Consoles will provide you with information about your workout such as calories burned, rate of vibration, time elapsed, and more.
Some consoles allow you to choose between built-in programs. They may have Bluetooth speakers or even a cooling fan.
Vibration plate without a console may still have programs, but you’d be using a remote control so you won’t be able to see any information you’re pressing.
Consoles aren’t necessary, but they’re nice to have.
The BlueFin Fitness Pro Vibration Plate
The BlueFin Fitness Pro Vibration Plate comes with handlebars and a great console. It’s a well-designed, high-quality product that uses durable materials and works very well.
It comes with everything you need for the best vibration plate workout you can get. It’s a linear vibration plate with plenty of programs, levels, and options.
Pros:
- Can support up to 330 pounds of user weight.
- Has an AUX connection for your smart device.
- Calculates your BMI.
- Has 180 intensity levels.
- Lifetime warranty on the motor.
- Comes with resistance bands.
Cons:
- Poorly written assembly instructions.
- Speakers don’t have a good sound quality.
- Noisy on higher levels.
Features and Benefits of the BlueFin Fitness Pro Vibration Plate
Build and Quality
The first thing I like about the BlueFin Fitness Pro Vibration Plate is that it is strong and made with good materials. It doesn’t feel flimsy and it feels like it can stand up to years of vibration.
The last thing you want to do is spend money on a machine that’s going to shake apart after a couple of months.
The warranty also gives you peace of mind – the machine comes with a lifetime warranty on the motor.
The suggested maximum user weight is 330 pounds, so it’s important that the machine is built to handle that weight plus all the vibrating.
I have no doubts that the BlueFin Fitness Pro will handle it like a pro.
Programs and Levels
If you’re a person that likes to “do” more than “think”, you’ll appreciate the fact that the BlueFin Fitness Pro Vibration Plate has 10 pre-programmed settings.
You can hop on, easily navigate to the program you want, press start, and go.
If you prefer to be more hands-on with your program, the machine comes with an impressive 180 intensity levels so you can challenge yourself more or less.
Console and Handlebars
The BlueFin Fitness Pro Vibration Plate has a nice console that is neatly designed and not cluttered like a lot of consoles you find on modern exercise machines.
I like the fact that each workout statistic has its own LCD window. You don’t have to continuously scroll through a list to see your stats.
The buttons are straightforward and clearly labeled. There are a few quick select buttons for the intensity and speed or you can use the arrow keys to refine them even more.
The console has a speaker on each side plus there is also a cup holder.
Health Benefits
One of the biggest health benefits you’ll get from using the BlueFin Fitness Pro Vibration Plate is that it will significantly cut down on the amount of time you need to exercise to hit your fitness goals.
After ten minutes on the BlueFin Fitness Pro, you’ve done almost six times the amount of work you would have done in the gym.
The vibration plate is excellent at improving your core strength. It also tones and strengthens your body evenly. It even helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Compact and Lightweight
The BlueFin Fitness Pro Vibration Plate is an excellent machine for a small home gym. It’s lightweight, has a small footprint, and is easy to move around.
The machine only weights 66.1 pounds and measures 27.6″ L x 29.1″ W x 50.4″ H. Just about anyone can handle it, and it’s easy to assemble.
What Others are Saying About the BlueFin Fitness Pro Vibration Plate
Review #1 – Helen
The Fit Club
Brilliant, easy to use. I’m disabled so it gives me the exercise I need. Easy to assemble. All my friends come twice a week to use it too. We are of an age of between 68 and 77. So if we can do it, anybody can.
Review #2 – Lorraine Lewis
I have only had it a few weeks. I love it – getting used to the vibrations and a routine.
Review #3 – Ms. MH
Brilliant
Talk about shake the living day lights out of you, you certainly know that it is working when all your muscles start to tingle and your sides start to itch. Don’t panic this only lasts a few minutes after getting off, but you feel so much better.
Alternative Choices to the BlueFin Fitness Pro Vibration Plate
Confidence Fitness Vibration Platform
The Confidence Fitness Vibration Platform has a lot in common with the BlueFin Fitness Pro. Quality-wise, they match evenly.
This one comes with resistance bands and has a nice, neatly designed console. The Confidence Fitness Vibration Platform has a lot less intensity levels, but what it has is still plenty.
Both machines are around the same price, so it boils down to whether or not you want programs.
Confidence Fitness | BlueFin Fitness |
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LifePro Rhythm Vibration Plate
The LifePro Rhythm Vibration Plate is built like a tank and it has a lifetime warranty to back it up.
If you want something that’s going to last forever and you don’t mind paying extra, this is an excellent choice. It’s an oscillating vibration machine.
It doesn’t have as many programs as the others, but it has plenty of intensity levels so you’ll have no problem challenging yourself.
It comes with resistance bands, it’s lightweight, and it’s easy to operate.
LifePro Rhythm | BlueFin Fitness |
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Pinty FitMassage Vibration Machine
You may find it interesting that the Pinty FitMassage Vibration Machine has the same exact console, handlebars, and platform as the BlueFin Fitness Pro does.
The only difference is the vibration plates – they are specific to each manufacturer.
Needless to say, these vibration machines are exactly the same where it counts – build, motor, intensity, programs, etc. so it’s all about which brand you prefer.
BlueFin Fitness has a slightly better reputation but Pinty’s machine costs a little less.
Pinty FitMassage | BlueFin Fitness |
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Final Thoughts on the BlueFin Fitness Pro Vibration Plate
There are a lot of vibration plates on the market and it can be tempting to just grab whatever fits into your budget.
Hopefully this guide will make you think twice about doing that.
As you can see from comparing the BlueFin Fitness Pro Vibration Plate to the alternative selections, there can be some differences that will affect your choice.
The BlueFin Fitness Pro is a solid choice for a vibration plate.
Sure, there are others that may be good also, but the BlueFin Fitness Pro is also affordable which makes it even more attractive.
If you’re ready to add the BlueFin Fitness Pro Vibration Plate to your home gym, click here for more information.