Social media’s latest fitness craze promises big results in under 10 minutes—but does it pass the vibe check?
Are vibration plates actually worth the (literal) buzz? If your social feed has suddenly become inundated with influencers vibrating through their morning coffee, you aren’t alone.
Whole-body vibration plates are back, with proponents touting potential benefits from improved bone health and cognitive function to muscle activation, toning and lymphatic drainage—all in just 10 minutes a day. But effortless exercise? That’s a tough sell.
LifePro
Like most viral wellness crazes, these plates are nothing new. They first gained popularity after popping up in gyms decades ago before social media gave them a second life. Some users swear by the recovery benefits; others treat them as a waist-trimming tactic.
Here’s how it works: A motorized platform vibrates rapidly while you stand, squat or stretch on top, forcing your muscles into rapid-fire contractions as your body works to stay stable.
Local gyms and health houses like Planet Fitness and Blue Water Spa have incorporated vibration-based therapies into their wellness offerings as more of a supplement than a shortcut.
And that distinction matters. “Vibrating plates, even professional-level devices, will have minimal effect on the lymphatic system,” says BWS’ Kile Law, noting that the spa instead incorporates them with other wellness services. “It’s important that people don’t expect dramatic or transformative results from vibrating plate therapy as a stand-alone treatment.”
That doesn’t mean they’re all shake and no substance. Catching the vibe may improve muscle activation, balance and stability; reduce post-workout soreness; and even help ease you back into movement after injury—but it’s more a sidekick than a shortcut.
Because, spoiler alert: There’s no such thing as standing still and sculpting a six-pack—and research doesn’t support these plates as magic weight-loss tools. That said, studies do suggest some benefits when paired with regular exercise.
No matter which way you lean, vibration plates’ biggest win is simpler than any viral claim: They offer an approachable way to move your body—even on days when motivation is running low. So if a 10-minute jiggle gets you off the couch and into a routine, that alone is worth shaking things up for.
Hit It and Quit It Blatantly defying the law in the company car? Guilty! Problematic queen and public servant—er, menace?—NC Auditor Beth Wood elected to not face the consequences of her own actions when she banged up a parked vehicle after downing two glasses of wine before blasting away in a state-issued car, thus amassing about $11,000 in fees for repairs to both vehicles. Not to mention the receipts show Wood was (allegedly) whipping her professionally issued ride to not-so-professional appointments—read: Blue Water Spa. Sorry, our NC auditor can’t come to the phone right now… she’s getting a Hydrafacial! Now, big shocker: She’s resigning from the position in December. Call it a dishonorable discharge?
Cars for Clout Like with most fads (see: dance moves, skincare products, etc.), it all started on TikTok. After the self-dubbed “Kia Boyz” teens posted instructional videos on how to break into cars using the likes of a USB cable (really), a string of car thefts left Raleighites wondering, “Dude, where’s my car?” The social media challenge got so bad that Hyundai and Kia—the models specifically targeted in the Toks—agreed to a $200 million class-action lawsuit settlement in May. Grand Theft Auto, meet TikTok-crazed teens.
U-Haul Ass A Garner man went all OJ Simpson a la his infamous 90-minute police pursuit when he led coppers on a 20-mile chase in a U-Haul after fleeing from a hit and run. The trail ended when the U-Haul driver ran a red light and crashed into a truck pulling a trailer, after which he tried to hit and run again before getting detained. Pro tip for the felon: Next time you try to pull a police chase, maybe choose a faster car.
So Garbage Splish splash, your driving is trash. Curbing the Tuesday morning commute, a dump truck driver was ticketed for wrecking havoc and littering the road with trash at the I-40 Gorman Street exchange and closing traffic in both directions. We can think of better ways to get wasted.
Grin and Bear Arms? Brace yourself. It looks like a local orthodontics office might’ve lost one too many wisdom teeth when it decided to collab with Youngsville Gun Club & Range to provide free weapons with its Invisalign treatments. Pretty sure all the people want is their free toothbrush and a sticker, but whatever. Getting to, ahem, the root of the promotion of violence and good dental hygiene: Qualifying customers can pick between a Silver membership at the Youngsville Gun Club & Range or a complimentary Glock 19, a pistol with a retail value shooting upward of $500. … No cap.
That’s Going to Leave a Mark Uh, oh… the girls are fighting! Former White House Chief of Staff and U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows was charged alongside his former “special friend,” President Trump, with racketeering in connection to their attempt to overthrow the 2020 election. Performing the ultimate bestie betrayal, Meadows agreed to testify against Trump in exchange for immunity, thus leading our former prez to throw out some nasty nicknames—such as “weakling,” “coward” and the like. We hate to see a friend breakup… 💔
Hot Mess Skating Raleigh into the sin bin for the Stadium Series, apparently no one thought of traffic control, as vehicles were at a standstill for hours in front of the game—making for plenty of national attention and internet fodder, with one fan @’ing officials: “Been in traffic line for 2 hours. Not an end in sight. No cops directing traffic. Just an absolute shit show. You should be ashamed of yourselves. @Canes @RaleighGov @NHL fucking embarrassment.” Talk about missing the big shot.
Emu Escapades Paging Dr. Dolittle! In this episode of animals outof control, a long-legged emu, dubbed Kevin, was spotted taking himself for a little stroll—hot girl walk?—along U.S. 64 this summer before being apprehended by Chatham County Animal Control. The bird on the lam comes behind a string of emu disturbances across the state last year. … Stay tuned for more emu-sing news in 2024?
A Rocky Horror You know those dreams where you forget to wear pants to school? This is kind of like that. … After being closed for about a year, the beloved Rialto theater reopened over the summer under new ownership, but frontman Hayes Permar forgot to hire staff for the big reopening. Oops. Luckily, his pals came together to save the day. Wonder if they got paid in popcorn or…?
High Stalks Guess who’s back, back again! After lighting up our list last year by committing arson, our ex-Raleigh City Council wannabe, Zainab Baloch, has once again snagged a spot on our list, this time for stalking. Keeping up with all our crazy exes, the previous political hopeful stalked a man by going to his house, following him to a police station (smart!) and literally ramming into his car. While she was unsuccessful in obtaining a spot in our local government, Baloch sure knows how to behave like a public official! 🔥
Bad Religion When Hozier said “take me to church,” we don’t think this is what he meant. … “Illegal adult entertainment business” G-Loft—which was operating out of a former church near The Ritz—was busted by ALE special agents in April, resulting in seven arrests on 18 criminal charges, including five felonies. Sins—er, charges—included possessing, selling and consuming alcohol without ABC permits—NTM attempting to dodge taxes (!) and maintaining a place for the use/sale of illicit drugs. Think it’s safe to say God would not be thrilled.
Small Dink Energy We see you left your ball (table) at home! A group of NC State students have caused quite the ~racket~ with their landlord after amassing a ~$23,000 fee for refusing to remove their “all-purpose” beer pong table from the premises. Citing the table as “garbage,” the shady squire went as far as paying someone to remove the controversial piece of furniture under the dark of night. While the issue is being, ahem, tabled (translation: they ain’t payin’), one thing is for certain—their security deposit is a goner.
Do What in Durham?! “Do it on a rooftop. Do it all alone… or in a crowd. Do it quietly… or loud and proud.” Nope, not snippets from a lingerie ad or a male ED commercial—but from Discover Durham’s recently launched Do It in Durham ad campaign. To be fair, the “innovative and unconventional” slogan definitely got people talking. So… worth every bit of that $180,000+ price tag—and inevitable snickers every “do it off the beaten path” or “do it with friends” promotion will garner?
Blacked Out This just in: NC State athletics cannot catch a break. Wolfpack Nation blacked out at this season’s home opener when the $15 million scoreboard shorted out due to a lightning strike on the day of its grand debut (#embarrassing). The chances of being hit by lightning are low, but NC State continues to elude the odds—except when it comes to making it to the playoffs. Say it with us… Cardiac Pack!
Please Stop Talking
Sports figures are notorious for flubs, so why should the Triangle’s finest be any different? In 2023, they again teach a master class on why you should think before you speak, while reminding us why they should stick to exercising muscles other than their mouths…
X Not learning his lesson about rivalries in 2022, UNC QB Drake Maye doubled down in 2023 by taking a shot at NC State: “I didn’t want to miss out on the home state… growing up in Carolina, you’re gonna be a Carolina fan. Some people may say State, but really people who go to State just can’t get into Carolina…” As one Twitter (X) reply simply stated in response: “Carolina arrogance.” Classic. Looks like UNC might need to add a course in humility? Your move, Maye.
X Meanwhile, now wrestling his reputation, new UNC wrestling coach Rob Koll is under fire for his pervy statement suggesting the Chapel Hill uni only profiles “pretty” girls for admission: “It’s 60% women for God’s sake and 95% of them are attractive. It’s just a really neat little campus for young 18-to-22-year-old men. I mean, good Lord! Why would you not want to go here?” Um, ew. Did we learn nothing from the U.S. gymnastics scandal?
X Not to be left out, fueled by unexpectedly holding that Tiger in the Textile Bowl, NCSU football coach Dave Doeren rips ex-Panthers standout Steve Smith: “This ain’t a basketball school, he can kiss my ass” in response to Smitty’s spicy comment earlier that day on ESPN College GameDay that NC State was waiting for basketball to start … The internet: “Ice up, Steve.”
In need of a little “man”-tenance this fall? Consider these top cosmetic treatments.
JUST LIKE WOMEN, men want to look good and feel good. “They also want to save time,” says Amaris Balkus, COO of Blue Water Spa. That’s why more and more dudes are opting for quick, noninvasive aesthetic treatments—think everything from “Brotox” to manscaping via laser hair removal—that can be done over a lunch break. Here, local experts break down the top cosmetic procedures for men seeking a glow-up on the fly.
EmSculpt
The secret to obtaining a chiseled bod sans hours of working out at the gym? EmSculpt, a noninvasive body-shaping procedure that firms and tones muscles through high-intensity electromagnetic therapy. “Men love EmSculpt,” says Balkus. “It’s like doing 2,000 sit-ups, squats or leg lifts with no downtime or pain!” Um, sold.
“Sometimes men are surprised by how life-changing treatments like EmSculpt can be,” adds Balkus. “What we’re all looking for is increased confidence.” And confidence with a quick clock out—even better. A consultation is performed prior to each service, and for optimal results, Blue Water Spa recommends six 30-minute treatment sessions over the course of a two-week period.
Toxin Injections
Amanda Olsen, nationally certified and licensed physician assistant injector at Specialists in Plastic Surgery, says that wrinkle-diminishing toxin injections—aka Botox, Dysport and Xeomin—are in high demand among her male patients looking to turn back the clock.
“Men want to stay in the job market longer, and a youthful appearance makes them feel more confident in the job sector,” she explains. “Men also elect for anti-aging treatments before a big event because they want to look like the best version of themselves for photos and seeing friends and family.”
So, what facial zones are fellas targeting? “Men usually love treatment around the eyes to soften their smile lines and look less tired,” says Olsen. She notes that the 11s (glabella and corrugators) between the eyes are also popular, as well as horizontal lines across the forehead. “This softens an angry/tired look and lifts the brows, giving a more awake appearance,” she maintains.
Toxin appointments are scheduled for 30 minutes “as we offer a lot of TLC,” she says (think ice and numbing cream, if needed). However, the busy man can be in and out in 15 minutes. Toxins typically last about three to four months, and a second appointment is advised.
Laser Hair Removal
For many guys, being hairy isn’t necessarily a problem—if anything, it’s a lack of hair that plagues most men as they age. But this blessing still comes with its fair share of headaches, like constant upkeep, excess sweat and, of course, hair growth in not-so-welcome places.
Enter laser hair removal. “Men love laser hair removal for all areas of the body and face—and when we say all areas, we mean all,” says Balkus. “So many people feel like they are the only one with unwanted hair in a particular area. That is simply not true.”
Although laser hair removal isn’t a one-and-done deal (several appointments are typically needed), each session is short enough that most gents can have their follicles zapped and still grab a sandwich before heading back to the office. “It depends on the areas, but many treatments take less than an hour,” adds Balkus. And she assures the results are worth it: “A hair-free neck, for example, means no ingrown hair and less time shaving.” Sounds like a win-win to us. bluewaterspa.com; specialistsinplasticsurgery.com
This month, Law has partnered with local fave food truck and restaurant Arepa Culture. In order to bring new guests into the biz—and keep them coming back—any person who brings in a receipt from Arepa Culture for $25 or more to BWS can receive $10 off at the spa.
“Our hope is that folks who may have a small order may add a bit more to get them to $25 in order to enjoy the savings,” explains Law. “Guests can use one receipt per service. So, if someone comes in once a week, they can save up receipts and use them for multiple visits at Blue Water Spa.”
A minority-owned and -operated business by a Venezuelan-American family, Arepa Culture opened in 2014 as the Triangle’s first arepa food truck, before expanding its footprint and popularity into a full-blown brick-and-mortar. And Law attests to this success—saying the arepas are “truly amazing!” (The popular eatery is also known for its bowls and cachapas, aka Venezuelan corn pancakes.)
“As a small family-owned business, we are deeply appreciative of the support we are receiving through Blue Water Spa’s Small Helping Small program,” says Arepa Culture CEO Marcel Jera. “Their partnership is not only bringing new customers to Arepa Culture, but it is also reinforcing the importance of supporting local businesses and fostering a sense of community.” Plus, it’s a win-win for customers. … And that is something we all can get behind. bluewaterspa.com,arepaculturenc.com
Support local businesses through Blue Water Spa’s Small Helping Small Program.
“Buy small or bye, bye small.” Cheeni Indian Emporium owner Preeti Waas posted this quote on Instagram on Small Business Saturday, and before you write it off as dramatic, it’s true. Local businesses need your support—every day, not just Small Biz Saturday—as without your support, they’ll go out of business (so, uh, clear that Amazon cart now!—and consider shopping for Christmas gifts locally).
Waas’ powerful post struck a chord with one local business owner in particular, Kile Law of Blue Water Spa, who proceeded to launch a Small Helping Small BWS Program in which Blue Water Spa clients can get $10 off any medical spa service, treatment or product with every $25 spent at Cheeni throughout the month of December. Just bring in your receipt from Cheeni—and there’s no limit to how many receipts you can bring in.
“As the female owner of a small locally owned business, I know the difficulties of running a small business and keeping it open,” says Law. The selfless spa owner also plans to partner with other small businesses throughout the year, with at least one small business partner each month.
Pro tip: Pop into the North Raleigh resto for lunch or dinner (bonus: Cheeni just started serving alcohol!) and enjoy delish authentic Indian cuisine like masala fries, paneer pav and lamb vindaloo; shop the bazaar for home and food products; then make an appointment for a little self care at BWS. It’s a win-win for everyone. #ShopSmall!
