Anyone tried a whole body vibrating exercise machine?
 

Has anyone on the board tried a WBV (whole body vibrating) exercise machine? They sound good, but I can't find a store that has one to try before I buy one. Some are not too terribly expensive, but some are much more costly. I'm assuming the more expensive are professional grade machines. I would love to hear from any board members who may know something about these.

I thought those were only in old comedy movies? Are they really a thing? Can't think they would do anything besides shake you up. You can't burn calories unless your muscles are doing work.

My dh and I tried one at a 2nd Wind store. The one we looked at was professional quality and very high in price, plus we don't feel that we need it (yet). I really liked it, as I think it helps stimulate nerves and muscles throughout the body and also probably helps with balance. (For balance, I benefited from using the balance board games on our Wii. Got long-lasting benefits from that.) If your balance is not good, you might want to get one that has handles to hang on to.

There are quite a few reviews on Amazon; would be worth checking out. It's been a year or two, but there were some good Youtube videos for them too.

Edit: Here are some Mayo Clinic comments for anyone who might be interested:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-li...n/faq-20057958

Check one out at your local gym. I go to a gym with a client and after her workout she uses the vibrating pad. The idea is to use it after exercise (you don't stand on it, you squat) As Prism99 said it stimulates nerves/muscles and helps with balance. It is quite powerful and you would need to use it carefully, with supervision.

I am a firm believer most exercise equipment bought for home use is a waste of money, at best they end up as expensive clothes hangers or end up stuffed under beds. Go to a gym, get a personal plan made up by a professional trainer. They have up to date equipment, they are very safety conscious and many are cheap (YMCA), it is a great way to meet others, all shapes and sizes (no embarrassment) and a good way to stay motivated.

I work in disability support and to be honest despite what you may think, gyms are one of the best places my clients gain acceptance/make friendships...from young people through to seniors.

I tried one at a local gym about 30 years ago, stepped off the machine and blacked out. I probably hadn't eaten (never did back then, those were the days...) but it cured me of any idea of using machines. I wear my FitBit every day and get in all the steps I can.

Treadle machine sewing is Excellent lower body exercise, the waist, thighs, calves...

You can do it without a machine. Google TRE. Not sure weight loss is a benefit, but reduction in muscle tension certainly is.

Thanks everyone for the great feedback! I will check out the links and other sites suggested here. I am looking for something that may be helpful w/my osteoporosis, but I also have strength problems from past stress fractures and tendonitis (from overcompensating for a stress fracture) in my ankles. Stationery bikes and treadmills don't work well for my feet. I'm not bad about buying equipment, but Earthwalker is right, I have one piece of equipment now that doesn't fit under a bed and is serving as an expensive clothes rack.
Thanks again for the good information, I appreciate everyone's help. Any other suggestions would be welcomed.
Slow2Sew

I Googled TRE and got a lot of football info plus a treatment for HIV. Finally figured out to Google TRE exercise and found this: http://www.amazon.com/Trauma-Releasi.../dp/B001XI23E4

The product I found on this link was for an interesting PTSD home treatment, but I didn't see anything about the exercise machine. I did find info on one machine at this site. Overall, reviews are good but there are a few negative, which still leaves me undecided. :-(

http://www.amazon.com/Crazy-Vibratio...s&pageNumber=6

Come over to my house and help me hold down the washer in its spin cycle. Just as bone shaking as that thingy and a whole lot cheaper. :P