Fitness enthusiasts looking to add variety to their home workouts can now buy the Flybird Vibration Plate for £69.99 on Amazon. The compact device offers 120 intensity levels and five preset programmes – Walk, Jog, Slim, Lymphatic and Stretch – allowing users to integrate whole-body vibration into exercise and recovery routines at home.
Health benefits and research
Vibrating platforms, commonly found in upmarket gyms, have gained popularity for their potential to support core strength, lymphatic drainage and weight loss. Research from Guys' and St Thomas' and King's College London NHS hospitals found that, when combined with exercise three times a week, vibration training can improve older people's mobility more than exercise alone. The research indicated it could help increase walking speed, improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.
The Royal Osteoporosis Society has noted that, while comprehensive proof is still being developed, early indications suggest the movements may support bone health and density through ageing.
How it works and what it offers
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.
The Flybird's frequency can be adjusted between 5Hz and 12.5Hz, and 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 higher intensity settings can support fat-burning workouts, though it is not possible to target fat loss from specific 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. A rubber suction-cup base keeps it stable on the floor, while noise-dampening technology keeps operation below 55dB. It weighs 8kg and measures 52.8cm by 36.5cm by 18cm, making it easy to move between rooms or store under a bed, sofa or desk.
Shopper reviews and comparisons
The Flybird Vibration Plate has received an average rating of 4.4 out of five stars on Amazon. One shopper 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 reviewer said: "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 users noted minor drawbacks. One person remarked: "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 takes 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."
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, currently £300 from Argos, which has 20 vibration speed levels, three programmes and adjustable latex bands.
While some studies have found potential benefits when vibration training is combined with conventional exercise and dietary changes, a vibration plate should not 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.
