Fitness in the City - Shake it up

CAN you actually shake off fat on your body? Well, I’d like to think this is a controversial method, but the technology has been around since the 70s.
Body vibration machines that you see today have evolved greatly since the first generation of such devices came out.
The vibrations are said to increase blood circulation and HGH (human growth hormone) levels in the affected area, which will then speed up the healing process.
This procedure also improves lymphatic drainage which helps to remove toxins and puss from the area, and makes the body’s job of self-repair even more effective.
John Kellogg, later known as the father of breakfast cereals, invented a unique vibration chair that is used to treat patients in sanitariums in the United States.
The principles of whole body vibration on lower body flexibility were later explored. Similar experiments and studies were also adapted by the Russian space agency.
At the time, it was shown that vibration training would greatly increase bone density and build both muscle mass and strength, when applied correctly. This theory led the way to the first modern vibration exercise machine.
Independent research studies by universities and medical facilities have shown that whole body vibration machines are a welcomed tool in treating many different serious illnesses.
In fact, whole body vibration machines are now commonly used, in the form of power plate workouts, vibro plate exercises, workout routines for women and weight loss programmes for women.
Vibration therapy is also used by many chiropractors, fitness centres, weight loss clinics, naturopaths, gymnasiums, professional sports teams, Olympic sports teams, large corporations, government facilities and home users.
The question is, if this technology has been around for such a long time, why have you not heard of it or seen it before?
Well, for one, the machines of today that promote vibration fitness have never been proven effective and have been labelled as a fad.
In the 70s, when vibration technology was introduced, the machine was quite a cool thing to own.
Ever heard of the vibration belt? While belt exercisers and ab belts sound like a no-sweat way to burn belly fat, fitness professionals will caution you to avoid the lure of equipment and gadgets that promise a quick, easy route to weight loss.

These machines simulate a massage which purported loosen fat on the body, making it easier to ‘flush’ the fat away.
Other manufacturers claim their machines strengthen the muscles, making fat appear less noticeable.
Consumers who used these ‘belly jiggling’ devices could kick back and read the newspaper – or even sleep – while the devices worked their magic in 15 minutes or less.
Today, portable, battery-operated ‘ab belts’ supposedly to stimulate your muscles, claim to be just as beneficial as doing 700 situps.
Does this work? It does – but you may have to wear out a few hundred batteries before ‘some’ results can be seen.

Whole body vibration training operates using a technology that jiggles the entire body. Exercisers either stand or sit or move on a vibrating platform.
In theory, vibration technology machines make your muscles contract, which in turn builds lean muscle.
But in practice, the vibration does stimulate the muscles to work through a series of involuntary contraction, but the effects are limited.
However, research does support this technology for use on individuals with special needs, such as those with Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, as well as among the elderly.
Although vibration for fitness is on the rise, there still is no conclusive proof that platform vibration machines are beneficial to the average healthy adult who wants to get in shape.
Vibration fitness training will probably get an average person some results in the form of muscle tone increase, and joint stabilisation recruitment but the whole world does not vibrate in real time.
If you’d like to find out more on vibration training, there are many such studios in the Klang Valley.
Let’s be fit!
Jonathan Tan is the Club Manager of the Sports Toto Fitness Centre at Berjaya Times Square. He can be contacted at lifestyle.jonathan@thesundaily.com.