Remeber those fat burning jiggle machines of the 1950’s?  Well they seem to be coming back into style.  Even NASA is testing the concept.

These machines use vibrations to tone muscle and claim to do it faster. Aggressive promoters also say the equipment improves flexibility and strength, reduces pain and stress, builds muscle and reverses osteoporosis. 

However, researchers warn of possible injuries ranging from back pain to cartilage damage. One even warns that the high-powered jiggling might harm the brain. They say the science is thin and too little is known about the long-term effects of such powerful vibrations.

Still, NASA is studying vibration as a possible tool for reducing muscle atrophy and bone loss during astronauts’ long, weightless trips in space.

And users of the equipment love the sensation and the quick workout. Workout times are reduced by two-thirds, advocates say, a claim that appeals to busy professionals, mothers of young children and just about anyone who shuns exercise.

“I feel kind of tingly and a little like I got off a ship, kind of shaky but in a good way,” said Amy Allen, a 40-year-old working mom in Chicago, after a 25-minute workout on the Power Plate, one of the higher-end brands. “I’m hoping this is the solution to help me get that extra weight off.”

The Power Plate vibrates 20 to 50 times a second in three directions, increasing g-forces on the body, and according to the Northbrook, Ill.-based company of the same name. The company says that raises the effectiveness of lunges, squats and other exercises done while standing on it.  So go-ahead and shake a leg and get fit.

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 21st, 2007 at 6:17 am and is filed under Breaking Health News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.