Why I Bought a Vibration Plate

This week I mentioned my vibration plate in passing along with it being in a video of my room clean up.

I think a lot of you are thinking about getting one because I got a ton of questions. I actually love questions. It means that this community is a community of learners. It also shows how many of us are on a health journey and made me do more research. I hope this helps.

What is a vibration plate?Vibration plates (also called whole-body vibration machines) are platforms that vibrate at various frequencies to stimulate muscle contractions. I personally call them Wiggle Boards! They’re often used for fitness, recovery, and physical therapy. Here are some research and evidence-based benefits:

What are the benefits?

💪 Fitness & Strength

Research is showing that muscle strength and tone are improved using a Vibration Plate because vibration causes rapid muscle contractions, helping build strength, especially in the legs and core (core is my area that needs more work).

Roelants et al., Journal of Applied Physiology, 2004

Another improvement is flexibility and mobility. Regular use may improve joint range of motion. My range of motion in my arms is an area where I struggle so I’m doing planks on the board. It is too early to say it’s made a difference but I’m hopeful.

Boosted circulation is another benefit. Vibration increases blood flow, which may aid in recovery and healing.

Better balance and stability can be improved by using a vibration plate. There is research that it is especially helpful for older adults or during rehab.

Study: Bogaerts et al., Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2007

⚖️ Weight Loss & Fat Reduction

Regular use has shown to increase metabolism. Some studies suggest it can slightly raise metabolic rate.

Vissers et al., Obesity Facts, 2010

Consistent use may reduce abdominal fat When combined with exercise and healthy eating, it can support body composition changes.

🧠 Recovery & Wellness

Using after a workout can reduce muscle soreness. It is also shown to improve workout recovery. Using a vibration plate also helps flush toxins and reduce swelling. A big thing for me is reduced joint pain and back pain relief Gentle vibration can loosen tight muscles and relieve discomfort.

Rittweger et al., European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2003

🧓 For Older Adults (Like me)

Using a vibration plate has shown in research studies to increase bone density. Some research shows it may help prevent or reduce bone loss in postmenopausal women. By enhancing proprioception (Proprioception is the body’s sense of its own position and movement in space, also known as a “sixth sense”.) as well as balance, and muscle strength.

Verschueren et al., Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 2004

🕒 Time-Efficient

Using a vibration plate isn’t a huge time commitment. Only 10–15 minutes can still deliver noticeable benefits when used consistently. It appears that 3 to 5 times a week at 10-15 minutes is enough to see results.

Should I get one for myself?

⚠️ Considerations

Vibration plates are not recommended for people with certain conditions like pacemakers, epilepsy, or during pregnancy.

Consult a physician if you have Parkinson’s disease, osteoporosis, recent bone fractures, dizziness,neuropathy, migraines, blood pressure that isn’t controlled or any other concerns you might have.

If you decide to try a vibration plate like everything else I say, start slow by standing still with soft knees for 1–2 minutes—and build up gradually.

The plate I have also has resistance bands that attach and I really like that.