SoloFlex: Weight Loss Claims Untrue
US independent consumer testing magazine Consumer Reports took the SoloFlex for a test drive and was not impressed.
Take a pass. There was no significant increase in calories burned when standing on the vibrating board. Most users who did more than stand said the WBV didn’t enhance their workout. Some panelists said the board was too small–a few actually fell off. Some also complained of headaches, blurry vision, or back pain
How They Tested
Six people stood on the device for 5 minutes, at medium and high vibration, while a metabolic gas analyzer gauged the calories they burned (our measure of “a good workout”). Six other people performed three Pilates sessions on the board, two with vibration and one without. And we had three experts in the science of human movement assess the studies Soloflex cites to support its claims.
The Response From SoloFlex
Soloflex does not make weight-loss claims for our WBV Platform nor do we suggest that it replace regular exercise except for those who cannot exercise because of physical limitations. […]
It takes weeks to see the benefits of any type of exercise program. Consumer Reports magazine should do their homework before publishing such nonsense. Supermarket tabloid reporting may be good for increasing circulation for magazines that do not accept advertising but it does not serve consumers. (source)
Reality Check
Spending 5 minutes to test a piece of fitness equipment is pathetic. It’s a bit like doing a set of dumbbell arm curls, then immediately testing for a strength increase… because there is no apparent gain the dumbbells must not work.
On the flip side - and WBV marketing literature that claims instant weight loss benefits is foolish and misleading. The same must surely be said for cardiovascular gains.
SoloFlex claims their vibrating board will “enhance Pilates, Tai Chi, Yoga and all types of stretching, freebody exercises and weight training” - which is so vague as to be almost meaningless.
44 Comments
Hi Marielle,
As you are in Ireland, I would suggest you FITVIBE or VIBROGYM.
TC
- kaka
April 23rd, 2008Lloyd, i got a really serious question to ask ..plz help me to solve it out!!
if i use magnet to generate the power to provide the high frequency with working frequency which is 40-50, how much power of the magnet i need? and if i have the energy saver, so how much power i need for lasting 12 hours to provide the sound frequency? Kaka…
What you are asking is to design an entire machine using an amplifier/coil or opposing magnet system.
This is not a simple question ,plenty of companies have tried this and failed.
Your goals are not clear with no parameters outlined at all.
I am sorry but if I did this amount of work it would only be for a commercial project.
April 14th, 2008
Hi there Lloyd. What about if you are based in Europe (Ireland) and you are looking for a home unit that will only be used by two people 3 times a week for training mostly. Would you have a favourite then? I do want a solid machine that won’t break on me in a few months. I want a proper piece of equipment and I’m willing to spend some money on it. In your opinion, what would be the best machine to get?