The Shake Weight is a device that is marketed as a way to increase the muscle-building effects of weight-lifting. It’s a modified dumbbell that is advertised as “the perfect workout for your body.” It’s been featured in infomercial clips that have gone viral.
Exercises that can be done with the device
Shake Weight is a wacky, yet curiously effective exercise device that vibrates in a narrow range of motion. According to researchers, the device is not only impressive in its own right, but it also has the capability of boosting muscular strength in a minimal amount of time. A study comparing the device to a standard dumbbell showed that total EMG activity was about 65 percent higher in the group of participants who performed the shake weight exercise compared to those who performed the traditional exercise.
The most obvious thing to do with the device is perform isometric muscle contractions in a limited range of motion. However, the exercise can be taxing and should be avoided if possible. Although the device has been marketed as an effective exercise machine, its benefits may be limited to a relatively small subset of the population. Despite its limitations, the device can be a boon to fitness buffs who are in a hurry and have a few extra minutes in their day.
A related tidbit is that the device is best used in combination with a conventional dumbbell. According to research, the best results are obtained when the two devices are paired together in an optimal configuration. During the trials, 12 men and nine women completed a series of isometric exercises. Each set lasted for 15 seconds, or 30 seconds for males. Afterward, the participants were required to take a brief two-minute rest period. In short, the shake weight can be a boon to fitness buffs with a fast metabolism and limited exercise time. As a matter of fact, the device is not endorsed by the Human Performance Laboratory, the aforementioned institution. It is an interesting experiment that should be taken seriously. Until a more thorough study is undertaken, however, there is no concrete proof that the device is as effective as its proponents claim it to be. Thus, it’s best to be wary of claims of superiority. Moreover, the product is not free.
Muscle activity measures
Muscle activity measures are used to analyze neuromuscular responses to exercise. They provide insight into how and why muscles function and are useful for research. A large body of research has been conducted on these topics. However, specific neuromuscular targets and relationships between different neuromuscular variables have not been fully identified. Currently, there are several methods for evaluating muscle activity. Among these methods, surface electromyography (EMG) and deuterium oxide are becoming more popular. These methods have high sensitivity and are used to address difficult questions.
The most commonly used method for measuring muscle protein synthesis is the fractional synthetic rate. This method shows how quickly the muscle rebuilds after an exercise. For example, if the average muscle protein synthesis rate is 0.04 %/h, then 0.04% of the total muscle is synthesized each hour. To put this in perspective, an average human body produces new muscle every three months. When a person performs a single resistance exercise, a high level of protein synthesis can be stimulated for several days. Therefore, the fractional synthetic rate can be a good indicator of the amount of muscle that will be rebuilt in the coming days.
Other popular methods for analyzing muscle activity measures are the two pool model and the three pool model. Both of these methods involve infusing amino acid tracers into the muscle and then measuring the rates of the buildup of these tracers. Amino acid tracers are similar to normal amino acids. The only difference is that they are slightly heavier than normal amino acids. In addition, a neutron is added to these tracers. By examining the buildup of these tracers in the muscle, researchers are able to identify the protein synthesis rate of the muscle.
One of the most important advantages of muscle activity measures is that they are performed under a controlled environment. As such, they allow scientists to investigate difficult questions and gain mechanistic insight. Another benefit is that they can measure total muscle activity. It is this type of measurement that has been shown to be significantly better than the 2-and-a-half pound dumbbell. That is because a shake weight allows for more EMG activity than a standard dumbbell. Similarly, a shoulder shake increased total muscle activity, and a chest shake increased it even more. Unlike these techniques, the two pool model is not a particularly accurate measure of muscle protein synthesis.
Another advantage of muscle activity measures is the ability to identify a wide range of exercises. Studies have found that different rep ranges and exercise intensity can induce equally strong muscle protein synthesis. Further, research has also shown that overtraining can cause an athlete to decrease the intensity of their training. Because of this, the use of Shake Weight exercises may help athletes avoid overtraining and maximize the effect of their workouts.
