You know what one of the best feelings is? Waking up and actually feeling refreshed…even better when that day falls on a Monday! Fortunately a spa day on Sunday at Taj Wellington Mews combined with a quality night of sleep that night gave me the R& R needed. I’ve mentioned the Taj Wellington Mews’ outstanding service before and I have to do it again. Massages there might cost 6 x more than ordinary massages in India, but they are absolutely worth it!
The root of my exhaustion
Fortunately that renewed energy lasted me all day, including during my workout. Along with the regular cardio & weight training equipment, my gym also has a separate area with a Vibro Trainer Machine. I signed up for a trial session for the sake of variety. I know I know– I’m a little late to the party given how popular the Power Plate machine was some years back. Anyway I had no idea what to expect other than the workouts:
- Involved a vibrating plate
- Were efficient
From what I understand, these machines create vibrations from the feet upward and distribute the energy across the whole body. In response to these vibrations, the muscle fibers have to contract & relax faster than voluntary movements alone. Along with cutting down overall workout time, other “promises” include quicker fat loss, improved motion and stability and enhanced blood flow. I’m always a bit weary about machines/equipment that make inflated claims, especially in relation to traditional exercise. I’ve owned a pair of Fit Flops for about 4 years now and I definitely don’t find them toning my legs any more than my trainers.
After the personal trainer outlined the basics, we did 2 rounds of the following circuit on the vibrating platform:
- Quick step-ups
- Squats
- Push-ups
- Knee-ups
- Crunches
- Leg lifts
- Bridge Lift
- Step-ups with dumbbell bicep curls
- Step-up with dumbbell tricep extensions
- Plank
I actually really enjoyed the workout. The vibrating sensations were initially a bit weird, but I got used it after a few exercises. We finished the workout within 35 minutes, including recovery time. As for the claims, I wouldn’t say it’s “better” than good ol’ fashioned running or weight training…at all. However any workout that gets my heart rate up to an elevated level sounds effective me. I especially liked that most of the exercises relied on my body weight. As my current strength training routine involves a mix of dumbbells & machines, this kind of workout could be a good alternative for when my workout mojo starts to dwindle.
Have you ever tried working out on a vibrating machine? What’s your take?
What’s your workout today (or yesterday)? Rest day for me!
I’ve seen those vibrating machines before but thanks to all those informercials, I’ve always thought them to be some fad- its great to see you try it out and leave it as an option when the fitness wall hits! Todays workout was a rest day too!
While it’s a great alternative, I am still partial to old school cardio & weight training 😀
I have one at my gym but I’ve never tried it! Next time I spot a trainer I’m going to ask him to show me how it works…might be a while since I’m on an extended rest day thanks to injuries but excited to try this out once I’m back!
Oh man I hope the R & R is doing your injury a world of good 😀
these totally intrigue me, I mean we all heard of those crazy machines back in the day but didn’t know stuff like this even existed
It’s worth trying 🙂
Nope unfortunately, I have never used one of these machines – but my curiosity has been piqued in a major way! With my co-ordination though, I might be thrown off when I step onto it?!?! YIKES!
Nothing like a good night of sleep to help recovery 🙂
Today morning was P90X Legs & Back and I was taking a week off running, but think an evening run is calling my name
Trust me- if I can manage the machine, anyone can…my exercise coordination isn’t the greatest 😉
I’ve never heard about these machines before! Interesting… it seems like it’d be a really weird sensation!
My workout yesterday was an awesome vinyasa yoga class. I’m not sure about today. Maybe just a walk outdoors since it’s supposed to be nice out!
Ohh it’s been far too long since I went to a yoga class- glad your session was a good one 🙂
Those looks so interesting! I haven’t tried doing a workout on one of those machines, but my brother’s gym has one of those high-powered ones that you just stand on. When I tried it for the first time I had it at full power, which maybe wasn’t the smartest idea ever :-p It felt so weird!
Haha it’s definitely an awkward sensation at first 🙂
So jealous of your spa day! Why wasn’t I invited to come along? 😉
I honestly had never even heard of those machines before!! So this was a very interesting post to me. I feel like the vibrating would seem odd at first, but I would probably get used to it like you did. I definitely think they would be fun to try! They sound like they would be a great alternative workout every once in a while as you mentioned. Thank you for enlightening me on what’s going on in the workout world 😉
Ah your invite must have gotten lost in the mail :)!
I have not done or even heard about it – sooo late I know 🙁 sounds like a fun thing to try, I wonder if they have it at my gym.
Glad I’m not the only one late to the partay 😉
I have actually heard of these! Not sure how reliable it is in regards to “quicker” fat loss, but it would be fun to try out.
I remain skeptical about it being any more effective for weight loss than traditional exercise 🙂
I’ve never actually heard of these things before, but whether it’s more effective or not, at least it makes things a little more interesting 🙂 And it’s a rest day for me since I’m on vacation… Just a lot of walking and exploring.
That kinda rest day sounds rather ideal to me 🙂
I’ve never even heard of a vibrating workout before, well unless you count…no, you definitely didn’t mean that. 😉
Glad you had a good time.
HAHA you have no idea how hard it was to resist throwing a “that’s what she said” in 😉
I would have been too intimidated to even try that workout! Good for you for giving it a chance!
I am participating in Best Body Bootcamp, so today’s workout was a full body strength circuit and 25 minute of power walking (ie. looking like the biggest dork on the treadmill)! You really need to join in the next round of BBB. I really really think you would love it!
Ah I know- I keep meaning to join BBB but something comes up….hopefully next round I will be in 🙂
I’ve actually never seen these machines before! It sounds intriguing though!
Intrigue drew me towards it 🙂
My workout today and yesterday was….nothing. Eeeek! I have big so bad about staying on track. That vibrating machine has me super intrigued and that circuit looks like a CRAZY good workout!
I’m sure the circuit would be great without the machine too- give it a shot if you’re pressed for time 😀
I haven’t heard of this workout, I am going to the gym tomorrow, so I will inquire about it. Vibrating workouts/machines, will remember it.
Let me know if you ever try it 😀