This makes me think of those machines where they put a band around the waste and shake, shake, shake the person to help with weight loss (70's thing? Doesn't work, is what I do know). Actually, body vibration does work, if used properly and with the right equipment. Added vibration to exercises like squats and push-ups can make your muscles contract up to 60 times more than normal. This version is $400. (Or you can go for the deluxe Power Plate brand, which will cost you a nice $4,000 for the home device.)

It's not a hoax. I actually did some research. Madonna uses one. And the Oakland Raiders. No kidding. (via Time)

I will admit that I am VERY skeptical of this gadget. But, I have not had the opportunity to test one out. My current opinion is, that if you just stand on the thing, it's not going to do you any good. However, if it is actually going to motivate you to move your body and exercise, then it is useful and I'm not going to totally discount it.