We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Wellness

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Passive Exercise?

By Harriette Halepis
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 18,935
Share

When a person performs specific exercises that do not require a vast amount of physical movement or exertion, this type of exercise is referred to as passive exercise. Many people believe that, with the help of certain devices, exercising does not have to be a strenuous activity. In order to partake in this type of exercise program, a person must have the necessary equipment.

There are three popular types of passive exercise routines, and all of these types include specific equipment. The first type is called "whole body vibration," and it was invented based upon a training routine that Russian astronauts often go through. Using a special whole body vibration platform, exercisers stand on the platform while the device shakes. The idea behind this device is that standing on a shaking platform will trick the body into preventing a fall. Thus, the body automatically contracts and tightens during platform usage.

Another popular form of passive exercise is conducted using a Chi Machine. Using the same basic principle as the whole body vibration technique, a Chi Machine causes the entire body to shake once the machine has been attached to the ankles. The main different between a Chi Machine and a whole body vibration platform is that a user does not have to be standing up in order to use a Chi Machine. Instead, this machine effectively shakes the body while a person is lying down.

Lastly, electronic muscle stimulators are a large part of the passive exercise equipment group. These devices include belts, stimulators, and toners that are attached to strong batteries. When an electronic muscle stimulator belt is attached to the body, small electronic shocks are sent to the muscles. The idea behind this piece of passive exercise equipment is that the small shocks will cause the muscles to contract.

While every passive exercise device mentioned above promises to tone, strengthen, and trim the body, many experts do not believe that these exercises are effective. In fact, various medical experts have agreed that while these exercises can stimulate circulation, they are not a suitable replacement for a total body workout. Still, a large number of people use passive exercise techniques on a regular basis.

Before beginning any kind of new exercise routine, it is important to speak with your doctor. Some of the exercises mentioned above may cause not be suitable for people who suffer from heart problems. Likewise, the long-term effects of any passive exercise routine have not yet been discovered.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon121984 — On Oct 26, 2010

The writer seems to be speaking from the narrow and insular view of a healthy able person and is solely addressing an audience of healthy able people.

What about the sizable subset of people who have illnesses, disabilities and age-related complications in which a good old sweating workout isn't an option? Some benefit is better than none.

And being on disability isn't much of an income - and health insurance, well, we know how bad insurance has gotten.

I want quality of life and not longevity if it means living in a nursing home draining money from the people and family's inheritance.

I once read that 20 percent of the population is disabled. Don't know how accurate that is, but that's a sizable percentage. (1 out of 5).

Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-passive-exercise.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.