Exercise is the new wonder drug, according to the British Academy of Medical Royal Colleges. In a recent report, Exercise: the miracle cure and the role of the doctor in promoting it, The Academy details how exercise, just exercise, can reduce chronic diseases of inflammation by 30% or more. You know the ones, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, some cancers, to name a few. It goes on to show how exercise, just exercise, will decrease your risk of all-cause mortality.
Exercise 2.5 hours per week. That’s it. Just 2.5 hours per week.
Though it sounds doable, the sad reality is, for one reason or another, 80% of us just won’t do it.
This lack of enthusiasm for exercise is exactly what makes whole body vibration (WBV) fitness machines appealing. It’s simple. You simply step on and let the good vibrations do their thing.
Similar to traditional exercise, WBV not only encourages blood circulation and lymphatic flow it ignites our lymph nodes which, in turn, stoke our immune system. All together, these critical body functions create a healthier
circulatory system and assist with the elimination of toxins.
The vibrations generated by WBV machines require your body to respond with small muscular contractions. These contractions, much like those of the heart, circulate blood, oxygen and other substances throughout the body.
Research indicates the circulatory benefits of WBV have a therapeutic application for the loss of muscle tissue as we age and suggests possible benefits for reducing the effects of osteoporosis.
Other studies indicate it may reduce the risk of bone fracture more than walking does, and may, with calorie restriction, help reduce more visceral adipose tissue than aerobic exercise in obese adults. Studies also indicate biomechanical stimulation gives muscles more energy. Along with a stronger immune system, all that jiggling appears to provide the benefits of flexibility, energy, better coordination and balance.
The best part is, WBV is a mode of exercise that works for virtually everyone. People with debilitating conditions, the elderly, unconditioned, or obese, may achieve the many benefits of exercise while working within their personal limitations and minimizing stress on their joints and ligaments. It’s also gained traction with athletes, who use WBV to circulate blood and lymphatic flow pre and post intense exercise.
Depending on the intensity you are looking for, most WBV machines allow you to adjust the number of vibrations per second and the depth of vibration. To see benefits all you have to do is stand, sit, or kneel on the machine’s plate. The vibrations cause your body’s muscles to contract, thus exercising them.
To maximize circulatory and physical benefits, many people incorporate more traditional exercise moves while on the machine. Similar to traditional exercise, benefits from WBV exercise can be achieved with as little as 10 minutes at a time. But, best to remember, 30 minutes of daily exercise is the recommendation to see significant health benefits.
It’s pretty clear, WBV appears to be an effective stimulus for the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular and skeletal systems and, barring any injury, a drug-free, side-effect free way to reach your personal health goals.
