Aches & Claims

CAN WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION MACHINES JIGGLE AWAY FAT?

- THE CLAIM: Remember those early exercise machines with beltsthat claimed to help you vibrate your way to fitness? Well, they'remaking a comeback in forms such as Power Plate and Vibraflex, whichare appearing in a growing number of health clubs.

- THE EVIDENCE: The theory is that vibrations of 30 to 50 times asecond trigger the body's reflex response which causes muscles tocontract and straighten. Proponents say other effects includeincreased flexibility, blood flow, bone density and production oftestosterone, as well as decreased levels of stress hormones. Somesay it can even promote weight loss and reduce the …