Our bodies start to change as we age. This also implies we have to adjust and adapt our exercise habits to an adequate body routine. For building bone density, strength workouts are excellent, but they can also add stress to weak and aged joints.
Fortunately, there are new fitness devices called whole-body vibration (WBV) machines that can toughen your body without causing unnecessary stress to your joints. So the question is, what things can you do to stay fit without risking your body, and what are the side effects of the vibration platform?
Continue reading to know more about the health risks and advantages of the vibrating exercise system.
A WBV is a flexible exercise equipment that holds amazing benefits for senior citizens. It is also beneficial for people with disabilities and other special situations that preclude anyone from engaging in a daily training program for strength.
Firstly you either sit, stand, or lie down on the machine's vibrating platform. Through your body, the vibrations transmit energy, which causes your body to get into stretch reflex. The reaction of your body to external stimuli is the stretch reflex. This activates the muscle spindles that cause you to contract and relax. This activity can happen many times each second, for up to 3000 times/minute. The activity can replace the regular fitness class and can provide similar health benefits.
Although the vibration machines are very useful for many people, it may not work for everyone because of the vibrational effects.
For over 100 years, the vibration’s detrimental effects on the body have been documented. However, the vibrations in full-body devices are not kept similar to the severity of the tests and have been modified, but they can still be dangerous to individuals with various health conditions.
Individuals with the following circumstances can stay away from using vibrational whole-body machines:
- Pregnancy
- Have a pacemaker
- Acute hernia
- Recovering from an invasive operation
- Diabetes
- Migraines
- Active tumor or cancer
- Knee or hip replacement
- Neurological condition
- Epilepsy
- Cardiovascular disease
- Acute thrombosis
You must contact your doctor before using a vibration machine if you have any of the conditions.
The use of vibration machines can inflict damaging effects on the spine, so it is necessary to use it as part of a holistic exercise regime. Many individuals use exercise machines without any side effects, so it also depends on the health history, body, and how your body reacts.
There is a justification why the machines have a 15-20 minute time limit, so it is necessary to follow the instructions and properly restrict your time. This way, you will enjoy the full benefits of vibrational exercise without any adverse effects.
The exploitation of machines can have long-term adverse effects on the circulatory system, the nervous system, and the musculoskeletal system. You must follow the instructions of the trainer and also choose a high-quality machine.
There are many amazing advantages of vibrational whole-body exercise devices that can benefit individuals from all stages, ages, and abilities of fitness.
- Weight Loss
According to research conducted, vibrational devices can boost weight loss if they are used correctly. This kind of combination of vibration and stretch reflex helps to decrease the detrimental belly fat among the organs.
The levels of stress hormones like cortisol, which is the main hormone for weight gain, can be changed by vibrational machines. The lower your levels of cortisol, the more weight loss you get.
- Increasing flow of blood
Vibrational platforms also help upsurge blood flow across the body, improving the efficacy of the body in transporting essential oxygen and nutrients. This aids to enhance the role of your immune system due to the additional white blood cells and nutrients provided.
- Increased Density of Bones
In elderly people, vibration machines also help to minimize back pain, decrease bone loss, and enhances strength and balance.
The effects of whole-body vibration have been amazing in patients with osteoporosis, as it helps to raise the proportion of growth hormone and testosterone in the body, which keeps sarcopenia and osteoporosis from progressing further.
Human growth hormone development develops more muscle mass, increases metabolism, burns fat, and provides you a healthy glow.
- Better Equilibrium
Getting older indicates that you are at risk of complications that may lead to broken bones, permanent injury, or even death because aged bones are much more fragile and much easier to crack.
Without needing to lift heavy weights, the whole-body sensation supports your bones and muscles, which ensures that not only can it help you stabilize your body for weight lifting, but it would also help you minimize the chances of a fall.
