Her gym just added machines called Power Vibe Pro? to its collection, and after a session with a trainer, Girlawhirl understands firsthand what all the hype ? even Madonna employs this type of exercise ? is about. At first Girlawhirl?s head was filled with thoughts of the strap-around-her-hips jiggling machine her mother once used. But under the tutorage of a trainer, she learned ? and felt ? how this kind of exercise can not just amp up her workout routine but also help her increase flexibility, improve her posture and fight osteoporosis.

Girlawhirl stood on the Power Vibe Pro to begin her workout. About half the size of the step she uses in step class, this platform vibrates at different rates causing Girlawhirl?s muscles to automatically contract ? anywhere from 20 to 50 times a second. And while just standing on the platform would provide benefits to women fighting osteoporosis, or act as warm-up for a professional athlete, Girlawhirl?s trainer got her moving as soon as she got used to it. She held a squat for a full minute ? her legs burning for most of it! She moved on to a plank position, with her feet stretched out behind her and her hands on the vibrating platform holding the push-up position with her arms slightly bent. Another killer! After about ten minutes and holding several different positions, she really understood why whole body vibration is creating  so much buzz.

Her favorite move was one of the easiest. Flexibility?s not her strong suit ? Girlawhirl can barely touch the floor with her hands when she does a forward bend ? but after holding the bending position on the platform for a minute she stepped off, and was able to bend from the waist and put her palms flat on the floor! That alone convinced her that she should try to incorporate vibration training into her regular workouts. And even if a trainer isn?t available to walk her through a 10-15 minute routine she?ll be ok because these machines show the exercises and the positions she needs to hold on their screens.

For more information on whole body vibration and the Power Vibe Pro click here. And if you decide to add a Power Vibe Pro to your home gym, don?t forget to tell them that Girlawhirl sent you! You?ll get free shipping, a $110 value!

Tiffany Davidson is a personal trainer based in Weston, CT and the owner of Femme Fatale Fitness. Tiffany advises consulting a physician or health care professional before performing any of the exercises described on these pages or beginning any exercise program. The information herein is not intended to be diagnostic or prescriptive.

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