The next time someone asks you "what's shakin'," you might just point them toward the clients at Vibrant Health of Lexington. There, good vibrations abound as people increase strength, build bones, and lose weight, all in just minutes. They're doing all this on the VibroGym, which gives the equivalent of 40 minutes to 1.5 hours of weightlifting in only 10 minutes.

It sounds much too good to be true. But the 100-plus (many formerly overweight) clients, aged 12 to 70, who have used Becky Chambers' VibroGym over the past three years, prove the effectiveness of vibration therapy. So do 37 published vibration studies on muscles, strength, oxygen uptake, hormones, performance, balance, bone density, motor neurons, the elderly, and general health and wellness.

The VibroGym was developed by the Dutch Olympic trainer Gus van der Meer, and is used by Olympic athletes as well as NASA and pro sports teams. It works by generating and displacing vibrations from the platform onto the body. Depending on the frequency and intensity selected by the user, muscles automatically adjust to the stimuli, and contract and expand 30 to 50 times per second. The body tires, rests and recovers. With repetition, performance increases, hence an intense workout without actually moving. As an added plus, the vibrations cause regenerative and repair hormones to kick in. These improve blood circulation and lymph drainage, metabolic rate and bone tissue, for a gain of stamina, flexibility, mobility, skin tone, and fat/cellulite reduction. Better results, less time, and no extra effort!

Though Chambers describes the experience as almost like holding a jackhammer, it feels more like a deep massage. Various positions target specific muscle groups, and for post-menopausal women, the routine can also significantly increase bone density. Mary Onorato, 68, of Sherborn was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis in 2002, with a -3.8 T score, or 39 percent loss of bone density. She tried calcium, strontium and Progesterone supplements, as well as aerobics, a trampoline and walking. However, by 2004, her T score had slipped to -3.9. Since June 2004, when Onorato began using Chambers' VibroGym, her bone density has increased by 23 percent.

"All I did was that machine, calcium and strontium," she said. Onorato used to put her older grandchild in the stroller and push him around. "Now I pick up the younger one without a thought."

As with any fitness routine, VibroGym workouts should be done in conjunction with good nutritional and lifestyle practices. "Using a combination of the VibroGym, dietary changes and sound therapy, I've lost 40 pounds in three months, and I'm stronger and calmer than ever," said Wellesley fitness professional Chad Asnes.

Chambers, who was raised in a Jewish family in Lexington, can speak from personal experience. She was chronically ill for much of her life, with ailments that included chronic fatigue syndrome, allergies, chemical sensitivities, joint problems, depression, digestive dysfunction and immune system weaknesses. "I spent at least 25 years trying to get better," she explained. "I searched the country trying to find something that would help, and finally, I found powerful new methods that helped me go from always being sick, exhausted, and weak, to climbing Mt. Washington last year!" Chambers' center is the only such facility in New England.

“I’m stronger, firmer, noticeably more toned, and my mood is decidedly better,” said Judi Garland of Lexington. Garland brings her 12-year-old gymnast twin sons along so they can also build strength, and has been so pleased, she canceled her gym membership.

According to Chambers, use of the VibroGym also raises serotonin levels. She reports that many clients have seen their moods improve and have been able to stop taking antidepressant medications. Others have enjoyed reductions in allergies, asthma, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue, digestive problems, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, with a combination of the VibroGym, nutritional supplements and diet.

While this diet may not include the same Jewish foods Chambers' mother referred to in a poem: "Maybe pickled herring/gefiltefish/Fresh hot bagels/Rye bread just out of the oven/Matzos with butter and salt/Grandmas strudel/Here lies my Jewishness/In a cloud of kitchen aromas/And memories," Chambers fondly recalled the importance of Jewish cuisine in her upbringing, and has always felt comfortable staying in her primarily Jewish community. "My grandfather changed his name from Rabinowitz to Wilson," she said, "because as a salesman in the 1930s, he couldn't sell anything, with a Jewish name." Chambers' 80-year-old aunt recently celebrated her Bat Mitzvah. "My mother was raised in a secular environment," she said, "but the traditions and knowledge do not die easily. Now, in her generation and in mine, there is a resurgence of interest in our heritage."

Chambers earned a bachelor's in Biology from Univ. of Mass.-Amherst, a Master's in Education from Lesley University, and a doctorate in Naturopathy from Clayton College of Natural Health. A naturopath who has studied the whole spectrum of natural methods, from nutrition to herbal remedies, she continues to also educate people in natural methods, in order to optimize physical function and improve overall health. "My education enhances my ability to satisfy my obsession: to bring health and wellbeing to myself and as many people as I can," she said.

For more information, please visit www.BCVibrantHealth.com, www.vibrogym.com and www.bettervibrations.com.