The best vibration plates under £250

Step up to the plate, literally. Vibration plates, also known as power plates are now more accessible and affordable than ever. They’ll amplify any workout session from the comfort of your own home.

Vibrating plates have been around since the 1960s. They were first seen being used by Russian cosmonauts to maintain muscle tone and prevent the loss of muscle mass while up in space. To this day, they still do just that, but with a few extra added benefits – and not just for people up in space.

How vibration plates work

Essentially, when you exercise your muscles contract and relax, this is what tones and builds muscle mass. A vibrating plate works to mimic this by sending strong pulses through your body; these pulses and vibrations twitch your muscles, so that they work at a higher more productive rate.

Like anything, the more you put in, the more you get out; the same goes for a vibration plate: the more you work and the more intense the vibrations you can handle safely, the more you see a difference in results.

Vibration plates not only work to stimulate muscle tone, they can also aid blood circulation, cellulite reduction, muscle pains and improvement of balance. Essentially, you can use a vibrating plate at its lower settings for a massage-like experience, or in its higher settings for a serious workout. You’ll get the most out of it when you treat it like a moving platform for any floor workouts.

Ready to elevate your fitness journey? Or expand your at-home gym setup? We’ve pulled together a list of the best value vibration plates for any home.

The best vibration plates under £250

Verdict: The best vibration plate for under £250

The whole list of vibration plates contains a variety of choices for anyone looking to boost their fitness regime. With options for those living in apartments or those with space to dedicate to a workout station, each vibration plate would make a great addition.

If I had to pick one, it would be the Bluefin dual motor 3D power vibration plate. The Bluefin had me sold with its versatility in vibrations and settings. Its multitude of levels and in-built programmes make it suitable for any user, whether beginner or expert - presenting a truly three-dimensional workout experience for anyone of any ability.

FAQ:

Do vibration plates work for weight loss?

Only using a vibration plate for weight loss won’t get you any noticeable results. It's when you combine exercise with a vibrating plate, that you can actually see a difference in tone and weight loss. Using a vibration plate as a platform for your workouts stimulates your muscles to work at a much faster speed, essentially making it a more efficient way of losing weight.

How long should you spend on a vibration plate?

Power Plate recommends between 15 to 45-minute sessions, depending on the level of intensity you set and how hard you want to work. These sessions should be spread throughout your week, generally, three to four times per week is ideal for noticing results, and not pushing your body too far.

What are the benefits?

The pulsations from a vibration plate are great for multiple reasons and they can be used during any stage of your workout or throughout.

Perfect for warmups and cooling down

Using a vibrating plate at the start of your workout is a great time to stretch your body and ease into your session, same goes for at the end of your training. Stretching after exercise will help prevent any muscle soreness and is a great way to cool down your body.

Increased muscle tone

When your muscles contract quicker using a vibrating plate with exercise, your body works harder and more efficiently. In routines where you would focus on one muscle, a vibration plate can work out multiple muscle groups at the same time.

Better balance

It may sound straightforward, but the simple notion of holding your stance on a moving plate can improve your balance - your muscles are working harder to stay in position and maintain a strong stance to be able to exercise.

Blood circulation

A vibration plate can work to improve blood circulation because it activates blood flow. Vibrations will improve lymphatic flow, allowing blood to circulate more freely.

Reduce Cellulite

The SANADERM Professional Clinic for Skin Disease and Allergology in Germany conducted a study and found that six months of power plate training, reduced cellulite on the thighs and buttocks by 32.3%.

What are the differences between tri-plane and oscillating vibrations?

Oscillating vibrations are the most common, they follow a seesaw-like motion moving only side to side. Oscillating vibrations will help boost circulation and increase muscle tone. Tri-plane vibrations, however, vibrate along three plates: side to side, up and down and back and forth. These vibrations provide a more intense workout, this type of vibration is featured on plates marketed as ‘3D’ or with a ‘Dual motor’.

Angelica Daujotas is a storytelling executive at Bauer Media where she tests products for What's The Best.