Should Personal Trainers Recommend Vibration Plates?

The wobbly truth behind the buzz… So, picture this. I’m in the gym, minding my own business, trying to look like I know what I’m doing (standard), when I clock someone standing on what can only be described as a shaky dinner plate. They're holding a squat position, looking far too serious, while their cheeks do a bit of a jelly wobble. I had to know more. 

Enter: the vibration plate. I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical. I mean, are we really just shaking our way to better fitness now? But after seeing more and more clients asking about them—and even a few trainers incorporating them into sessions—I decided it was time to dig into the science (and the hype) and figure out once and for all: should you use a vibration plate as a personal trainer? 

What even is a vibration plate? 

In case you’ve managed to avoid these things altogether, vibration plates (also known as power plates) are those platforms that buzz, shake and vibrate while you perform exercises on them. The idea is that the vibrations make your muscles contract and relax faster than they normally would—supposedly giving you more benefit in less time. Sounds like a dream, right? 

But dreams can be deceiving—especially the ones where you think you're burning calories by standing still. 

The benefits: shake it till you make it? 

Alright, let’s be fair. There are some legit benefits here, and I’m not just talking about the accidental face massage. 

Improved muscle activation 
The vibrations stimulate muscles to contract up to 30–50 times per second. That means you could be activating more muscle fibres during bodyweight exercises like squats or planks. 

Increased calorie burn (maybe?) 
While you’re unlikely to burn a Domino’s worth of calories just standing there, using a vibration plate as part of a full-body workout could give your metabolism a little boost. 

Improved strength and stability 
Research suggests that vibration training might help improve balance, coordination and even bone density. This could be particularly useful for older clients or those recovering from injury. (Although, obvs, always check with a GP or physio first.) 

Stretching & recovery 
Many people swear by using vibration plates for stretching and cool-downs. That gentle buzz can apparently help with muscle relaxation and DOMS relief. Like a foam roller, but sassier. 

The limitations: it’s not that kind of miracle 

Right—before we all start throwing out barbells and programming nothing but vibrating lunges, let’s get real. 

It’s not a shortcut to fitness 
The biggest myth? That you can stand on it and magically lose weight. Nah. Vibration plates can enhance a workout, not replace one. If you’re serious about fat loss, HIIT, resistance training, and nutrition are still the holy trinity. Need proof? Checkout this HIIT workout training guide for ideas that actually get the heart racing. 

Lack of standardised programming 
Unlike lifting weights or running, there's no widely accepted method or progression plan for using vibration plates. As a PT, this makes it harder to track progress or ensure consistent results across different clients. 

Not for everyone 
People with certain health conditions—like pacemakers, epilepsy or joint issues—should steer clear. It’s essential to check medical histories first and err on the side of caution. 

Awkward positioning & discomfort 
Ever tried holding a plank while your elbows are being buzzed into another dimension? Not the most enjoyable experience, especially for beginners or people with joint sensitivity. 

Should you use a vibration plate as a personal trainer? 

The golden question. And honestly, my answer is: it depends. 

If your client is someone who enjoys trying new things, and you’re using it to supplement their existing routine, then absolutely—it can be a fun tool. It’s especially useful for activating underused muscles, improving mobility, or shaking things up in warm-ups and cool-downs. 

But if you're banking on it being a calorie-burning miracle machine, it's time to back away slowly. 

Here’s a helpful resource from Active IQ that covers CPD and training opportunities in newer methods like these, if you’re keen to build your knowledge on the topic. 

Also worth bookmarking: CIMSPA for professional standards and training guidance—because being “in the know” makes you look cool and credible. 

How I’d use it with clients (if I’m feeling fancy) 

Now, I’m not saying every session should turn into a full-on tremor fest. But here’s where I’d throw a vibration plate into the mix: 

What clients say:

I’ve had clients who love the novelty of the vibration plate. They feel like they’re doing something “next-gen” and enjoy the buzz. Others? Not so much. One of my clients described it as “standing on a washing machine mid-spin cycle” and refused to go near it again. Fair enough. 

So, should you use a vibration plate as a personal trainer? You’ve got to read the room (or the client). 

My advice to fellow PTs 

If you’re considering adding vibration training to your sessions: 

Want to level up your PT skills while you’re at it? Study Active’s Level 4 Personal Training qualification is a fab way to deepen your knowledge and expand your toolbox—vibration plate or not. 

Final Thoughts (aka the shaky conclusion) 

So, back to our original question: should you use a vibration plate as a personal trainer? 

Sure! But not as a main event. It’s like the chilli flakes of fitness equipment—fun to sprinkle on top, but not the whole dish. If it helps your client feel more engaged, gets results (when used properly), or adds some variety—then go for it. Just don’t expect it to do all the work while your client literally stands there scrolling TikTok. 

In the end, it’s all about using the right tools for the right clients. And hey, if that tool happens to vibrate like an over-caffeinated jackhammer—who am I to judge?