April is "Common Vibration Plate Questions" Month - Here's Week 1

When I began using vibration plates, I had all the same questions you did. So did our studio clients, people at trade shows, the trainers and therapists etc. No one really understood what a vibration plate was, how to use it or what to use it for?

In the almost 20 years I’ve been at this, no matter how many workshops or videos I do, it’s the marketing, how vibration plates are sold, they want you to believe it’s the exercise machine equivalent of a diet pill. Benefits claimed are absolutely true, its how you use a plate to get them that cannot be offered in a singular way to suit everyone.

Most of us do not “exercise for purpose” and struggle with the “what to do” on a plate when starting out. It’s easier to believe there is a setting or preset program that will do the thinking for you, easier to sell you a product if you believe this too.

There is no such thing as a best frequency, program or model for any one benefit or condition. Anyone that offers a “set it and forget it” approach is trying to sell you THEIR product and I guarantee in most cases knows very little about how to actually use a vibration plate nor do they offer any “real” use support.

PLEASE FOLLOW MY GUIDANCE - SKIP THE MANUAL OR ANY ONLINE OPINIONS.

I can’t offer a simple answer to every question but I promise an honest one, coming from a place of substantial, front line experience not a google search. I beg you to invest a few minutes, try my approach for use just for a week or so until you get a feel for it.

Following my starting guidelines will help ease fear, reduce chances of over doing it and allows me to guide everyone from a similar place of understanding. Be in control of your experience, it should be a pleasant one not something you have to endure.

I know I sound like a broken record to some of you, thank you for making the time you have to learn from my ramblings. My passion is what fuels me…

I prefer to focus on “what to do” as far as poses, routines etc in my videos more than troubleshooting issues after you’ve already done too much following a manual or what someone else is doing. It pains me to see anyone have a poor experience/impression.

This all leads up nicely to my first 3 most commonly asked question, I hope my short ramble helps lay a foundation you can build on and progress forward with.

1) How Do I Use My Vibration Plate? Almost anyone regardless of where you are physically starting can begin use following my approach. Before seeing my short (6 min) video crash course I ask you to have 2 things in mind and be honest with yourself.

First, think about what you’re trying to accomplish by using a vibration plate - what are the goals? You don’t have to have an answer right now and know your goals can change and will if I do a good job in helping you use and progress with it.

Often there are short term benefits to consider, maybe reduce pain or improve balance. Then there are longer term goals things like bone density or weight loss. Have patience and keep it simple to start. Once the “short term” gains kick in so will confidence in using your plate - as does the motivation to stick with it.

Secondly, identify any roadblocks, any concerns or symptoms weighing you down. A vibration plate can manage symptoms AND be a low impact exercise. Start moving and feeling better use to manage symptoms as needed and build from there.

See my GETTING STARTED VIDEO whether new information or as review, I hope to empower you with a couple key lessons that are referenced often in my coaching.

2) Can a Vibration Plate Improve Bone Density? Probably close to a tie as the most common question I get and certainly see it asked online a lot. My answers on this and all questions going forward are better understood once you’ve gotten some basics from the starting video above. The common question about improving bone density is related to it being one of the biggest marketing claims from manufacturers, some use partial truths and fear in an attempt to sway your credit card their way. DON”T GET SOLD - get facts.

The marketing claims are absolutely true, vibration plates CAN and have been PROVEN to improve bone density however… please hear me loud and clear as I’ve already stated - “There is no such thing as a best frequency, program or model for any one benefit or condition.” bearing that in mind, no I won’t tell you how to set your machine to 40 hertz (such a BS marketing pitch) because the machine from that study isn’t the one in your living room and it doesn’t need to be. THE SECRET IS REGULAR, WEIGHT BEARING USE.

Using your plate regularly is the starting point and doing weight bearing or partial weight bearing poses. See my tips on boosting your bone density REGARDLESS of what plate style you are using. Vibration Plates - Boosting Bone Density 

3) Why Am I Itchy From Using My Vibration Plate? Always a top question from new users in general and it can feel more severe with certain conditions. When you first use a vibration plate regardless of movement type or settings used, it's not uncommon to feel itchy or tingly. Not all have this experience so not to worry if not - be thankful! Good news is it normal and in most cases will dissipate with regular use in a week or two.

This common question is a big reason I nag about starting out conservative on time and intensity. Using a plate for too long or with too much intensity (wide feet) can contribute, making it worse than it needs to be. The machine literally turbo boosts circulation and lymphatic movement, increases detox, sensory re-education and other factors.

See my tips video for more on why “the itch” happens, conditions that may contribute and how to reduce it. See Why Am I So ITCHY After Using a Vibration Plate? 

Reminder if looking for information on specific topics or tips, check out my list of recommended videos for ideas and answers to many common questions.

Do you want more personal guidance? Take advantage reduced pricing for subscribers and group members. Book a 30 minute virtual call for $20 USD until the end of April. No upfront cost, just go to my CALENDAR and set up a profile and a time. If there are no times that work for your schedule, reply to this email with preferred days/times and your time zone. I’ll do my very best to accommodate.

THE BIG NEWS

I am blushing this week and so proud to share that BOTH of my Facebook support groups have grown to new heights. My Vibration for Fat Disorders Group hit 20,000 members and the same evening Cerebral Palsy + Vibration passed 5,000 members. It’s amazing where this has all grown, thank you for being on this journey with me.

I appreciate you investing time here and hope my tips help you realize success using your plate. Stay tuned next week for some more common vibration plate questions,

Debby Pelletier

Vibration Plate Coach/Specialist

P.S. For transparency although training/healing is my PASSION, when you use my suggested product links, book a session or a class, or offer a donation you allow me to support my family and life while continuing my work and offer my online groups.
Thanks to those have kindly joined me in a class, a session, shared my groups, videos and newsletters - it all contributes to my ongoing work. Financial support is greatly appreciated but certainly not expected. You being here to learn is equally valuable to me