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I’m currently proximal to cherry orchards–and all the wondrous equipment therein, including the cherry-shaking machines. It’s riveting to watch: trees shedding their fruit via whiplash. I was thinking about this when someone showed me a link to a Power Plates Vibration Machine. While standing on a platform and gripping handles, you’re supposed to do simple squats and stretches while an intense vibration transits yourbody. Rumored benefits include increased metabolism, concentration, circulation, treatment/prevention of osteoporosis, and extension of blood vessels (”The light red color of the skin after the vibration training is proof“). Apparently, Madonna is somewhat responsible for evangelizing the merits of Vibration Therapy, the history of which is interesting to note:
Originally developed by Russian scientist Vladimir Nazarov, whole vibration training was used to prevent astronauts’ muscles and bones wasting when they were in space. Later, Russian ballet dancers discovered that vibration could aid the healing of their injuries by increasing their muscular strength. Dutch Olympic trainer Guus van der Meer used this research in 1999 to develop the machine for the health and fitness sector.
Kind of like a power tool for your fascia…I must now solicit testimonials…
I’m pickin up good vibrations, she’s sendin me excitations…
I always loved picking oranges this time of year back in Phoenix using a strange looking implement that may be the next What Is It? item.
posted by Johnny Cat on 7-7-2007 at 1:44 am
Pecan trees here in Texas are also shaken to release their nuts…its impressive that a machine can shake a giant tree, indeed…
its raining pecans!
posted by donner on 7-7-2007 at 7:05 am
We have 2 Power Plates at the gym of the ship I work on. I hate the blasted things, but then again I’m more of a bodybuilding type.
It does make sense, cat’s purring is said to be related to the 50Hz frequency they produce to aid healing bones and tissue. That said…I’m not a cat =(
posted by Ignacio on 7-7-2007 at 2:53 pm
Tried them for the first time last week, and I must say they work. Can not belive that standing 45 seconds in a squat position could cause pain if this thing wasn’t effective…
posted by Blu on 7-7-2007 at 4:23 pm
I have to get my hands on this. How cool,and simple. Where do you find it?
posted by Olivia on 7-9-2007 at 7:59 am
Wait a minute, wasn’t this debunked since regular vibration can wear down your bones - making them flake and chip? Even chiropractors strongly advise against vibrating devices.
Granted, maybe the frequency is “just right” for the Vibration Machine to work. That, and those who have to worry about vibration injuries are usually semi-drivers and construction workers.
posted by Kasee on 7-9-2007 at 9:54 am
As soon as I saw this I thought of the story of the young Mr. Byers. In the 1920’s people thought that drinking small amounts of radioactive water was healthful. Byers, The rich son of an oil baron could afford to buy gallons of the stuff. He drank it like it was regular water. Not long after his jaw and lower part of his face had to be removed due to the cancer it spread to his stomach and he died.
posted by Tdave on 7-10-2007 at 12:53 am