Good breakdown of the two main types of vibrating exercise machines.

This is where I start to get confused, what type of machine do I need? Here is a good breakdown. Let's see what I can find out.

 

Whole Body Vibration Machines And How They Work

An oscillating platform machine has a base plate which has a center fulcrum point.  Much like a see-saw that children play on, the platform rises at one end while the other end lowers.  This movement closely mimics the motion of the human legs when walking, while also involving the hips and lower back into the motion, unlike treadmills. The amount of lift or drop on the platform is very short, typically less than one inch at the outside edge.  This range of motion or ‘amplitude’ may not seem like much, but it is crucial because this distance is reaching the limit of movement that a fast twitch reflex muscle is capable of moving.  This movement will maximize the amount of fat burning calories that the fast twitch reflex muscle is capable of burning.  This particular style of movement will also incorporate the fast twitch muscles in not just the legs, but also throughout the hips, back, and waist area.  The speed settings on these machines are typically measured in hertz (Hz). Which is how many times per second the platform will travel from highest point of travel through lowest point and back to the highest point again.  Most machines will have speeds in the neighborhood of 1-20 Hz.  This oscillating type of machine is better suited for people who are looking for weight loss, as opposed to those who are looking for muscle gain, which is where the other type of machine, the Tri-phasics are better suited.  Remember that larger range of motion combined with lower speeds will make you lose weight, and shorter range of motion combined with higher speeds will build muscle strength.

Tri-phasic or tri-planar machines do not have a center fulcrum point like the oscillating machines, they do not wobble from side to side.  The platform which you stand on moves up and down in one solid continual motion.  In fact they actually move up and down, side to side and front to back all at the same time.  This ‘three dimensional’ range of movement is where the term tri-phasic or tri-planar originates.  These machines typically have a very small range of motion or amplitude.  Usually measured in millimeters, they typically have amplitudes of 1mm – 5mm.  These tri-planar machines have less motion than the oscillating machines, however the tri-planar machines have speeds that are considerably higher than their oscillating counterparts.  The speeds on these machines are typically between 20 Hz. to 50 Hz.  The differences in the two types allow the tri-planar machines to be more effective at increasing muscle strength as opposed to burning fat. You would still get a great workout on the tri-planar machines, but if weight loss is the primary concern the oscillating machines will perform a little better. The tri-planar machines are also going to be more effective at achieving bone density increases because they put a bigger load on the muscle groups.  Both types of machines are going to help with blood circulation and lymphatic drainage issues.  The tri-planar machines are typically more expensive than the oscillating machines.  Most professional sports teams and athletes, celebrities, rehab facilities and chiropractors and doctors use the tri-planar styles of machines.  With the higher price tags you usually get bigger, stronger, heavier, more durable machines which may be better suited for commercial use, such as in a gym.