Fitness fans of all ages looking to add something different to their at-home workouts can pick up an industry-first compact vibration plate for £69.99 from Amazon. The Flybird Vibration Plate offers 120 intensity levels and five preset programmes, including Walk, Jog, Slim, Lymphatic and Stretch, allowing users to incorporate whole-body vibration into workouts and recovery routines at home.
Often found in upmarket gyms, vibrating platforms have won fans for being able to help with boosting core strength, lymphatic drainage and even weight loss. However, medical research from Guys’ and St Thomas’ and King’s College, London NHS hospitals has found that when combined with exercise three times a week it can improve older people’s mobility much more than through exercise alone.
The research found it could help increase walking speed, improve balance and reduce the risk of falls. Meanwhile the Royal Osteoporosis Society has flagged that, while comprehensive proof is still being worked on, early indications are that the movements will help with bone health and density through ageing.
Vibration plates work by sending rapid vibrations through the body, causing muscles to repeatedly contract and relax. Research into whole-body vibration training suggests it may help improve muscle strength and physical performance, particularly when used alongside other forms of exercise.
While at-home versions of the technology are available, they tend to cost considerably more than the Flybird £69.99 version, which launched on Amazon this week and has already won plenty of fans. Argos sells eight different types of vibration plates, with models varying by spec and price and the cheapest coming in at £130. The best reviewed is the Reviber Fusion Oscillating Vibration Plate, which is currently £300 from Argos. This has 20 different vibration speed levels, three programmes and there are adjustable latex bands that fit users of different heights.
The Flybird‘s frequency can be adjusted between 5Hz and 12.5Hz, while the plate has an amplitude of up to 10mm. Flybird says its textured surface and 20 integrated magnetic nodes are designed to stimulate pressure points on the feet and encourage circulation.
The brand also claims its higher intensity settings can support fat-burning workouts, although it isn’t possible to specifically target fat loss from areas such as the thighs, hips, arms or back through vibration alone. The plate has a maximum user weight of 150kg and comes with an LED touchscreen and wireless remote, along with an independent power switch for quickly turning the machine off.
A rubber suction-cup base helps keep it stable on the floor during use, while noise-dampening technology keeps the operation below 55dB. One of its biggest advantages for home workouts is its compact size. The plate weighs 8kg and measures 52.8cm by 36.5cm by 18cm, allowing it to be moved between rooms or slipped underneath a bed, sofa or desk when it’s not being used.
The Flybird Vibration Plate has received high ratings on Amazon, with shoppers leaving an overall average score of 4.4 out of five stars. Compared to other products, it appears to be the most budget-friendly and easily stored version on the market currently.
One person said: “I’ve tried several vibration plates over the years, and this one is easily the best so far. It’s quiet, has clear settings for things like toning, and feels stable and comfortable to use. Great value and I’m really happy with it.”
Another added: “With no time to go to the gym and not in a position to buy slimming injections, I ordered this for my daughter to see if it helps her to lose weight and tone muscles. It has a small footprint, is quite a solid heavy base plate, so it doesn’t move around, even on the higher settings. It is comfortable to use and easy to control either with the panel or the remote control. Only time will tell if this exercise machine makes a difference, but for the price and build quality, it is worth a try.”
A third said as part of a longer review: “This vibration plate has been a fantastic addition to my home routine. With 1–120 speed levels, it’s easy to adjust the intensity, depending on whether I’m warming up, doing a full workout, or just trying to loosen stiff muscles. The 150kg weight capacity feels solid and stable, and the machine itself is sturdier than I expected.”
Some disagreed slightly, with one person remarking: “One small downside is when using the elastic resistance bands. Because they attach quite close to the plate, they tend to be noisy due to the vibrations, which can be slightly distracting.” They also warned the plate took a little bit of time to adjust to: “At first, the vibration sensation feels a bit strange, especially if you’ve never used this kind of equipment before. However, you get used to it very quickly, and it soon becomes part of a routine and feels like an effective form of exercise. I usually use it for short sessions, sometimes just standing, sometimes adding light squats or holds, and it’s surprisingly engaging. The wide range of speeds makes it easy to start gently and gradually increase intensity as you get more comfortable. After a few weeks, I noticed my body feeling firmer, especially in my legs and core, and it’s a convenient way to stay active even on busy days.
“Overall, this vibration plate has been a great addition to my daily routine. It’s easy to use, doesn’t take much time, and feels like an effective way to support overall fitness and muscle tone at home.”
There has been research into whether whole-body vibration can support changes in body composition. While some studies have found potential benefits when it’s combined with conventional exercise and dietary changes, a vibration plate shouldn’t be viewed as a replacement for regular exercise or a balanced diet when it comes to weight loss.
The Flybird Vibration Plate is available from Amazon.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
